CJ Healthcare said Thursday that it plans to co-market Dong-A ST’s two diabetes treatment -- Suganon and Sugamet XR.

Under the accord, starting from next month, CJ Healthcare and Dong-A ST will jointly sell Suganon 5mg and Sugamet 2.5/850mg and 5/1,000mg to general hospitals and local physicians. CJ Healthcare will also be in charge of distribution.

Suganon and Sugamet XR is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor developed by Dong-A ST. The company launched the product in 2016.

Suganon proved its safety and excellent blood-glucose lowering effects in local phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials. The drug can be taken regardless of meal intake and is not influenced by food intake.

The small size of the tablets compared to other drugs makes it highly convenient for patients with chronic diseases and compliance. Patients with renal impairment can also take the medication without adjusting the dose.

Sugamet XR is a combination treatment of Suganon and metformin. The once-a-day drug took into consideration the local custom where physicians frequently prescribe metformin for diabetes patients.

“This contract will give CJ Healthcare a new strength in its diabetes treatment portfolio,” CJ Healthcare CEO Kang Seok-hee said. "Based on our sales and marketing capabilities accumulated in the diabetes drug market, the company will do its best to make Suganon and Sugamet XR as market leaders.”

Dong-A ST also showed enthusiasm in the newly signed contract.

“We are very pleased to cooperate with CJ Healthcare in growing Suganon into a market representative product,” Dong-A ST CEO Eom Dae-sik said. “We will maximize synergy for growth based on the close cooperation of the excellent sales force of both companies.”

According to UBIST, the domestic DPP-4-based diabetes treatment market totaled 468.5 billion won ($450.6 million) last year.