Regulatorische Updates

Veteran pharmacist Jin Gyo‑seong urges Korean pharmacists to unite under the KPA and focus on government response to telemedicine prescription delivery and safety‑stock drug expansion.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare will extend coverage of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors to severe type 2 diabetes patients with pancreatic dysfunction starting December.

In August 2026, the FDA granted Novel Drug approval to at least seven new molecules, including treatments for rare diseases, refractory cancers, blood disorders, HIV, gene therapy and an mRNA flu vaccine.

A year after the UK raised NHS rebate rates on new branded medicines to 31.3%, AstraZeneca and Merck withdrew planned R&D investments, citing a challenging innovation environment.

The National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee will consider 15 pharmacy law amendment bills, such as the external‑capital prohibition and drug sales‑record regulations, at its first full meeting on the 11th.

South Korea's MFDS plans to finish designating GLP‑1 obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro as ‘drugs with potential for abuse’ by September, requiring prescription‑only sales and mandatory labeling.

Efforts to block corporate subletting of pharmacy spaces in subway stations have not stopped similar arrangements, prompting the Gangseo‑gu Pharmaceutical Association to request documents from Seoul Metro.

Korea's Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service released a list of 14,013 drugs for price‑ceiling re‑evaluation, excluding 1,576 items, leaving 12,437 for review.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare confirmed that pharmacies run by hanyaksa are prohibited from preparing prescription medicines and selling OTC drugs.

The Gangseo‑gu Pharmacy Association has asked Seoul Metro for an official response and document disclosure regarding the bidding and sub‑lease approval process for pharmacy space in Balsan Station’s Medical Zone.

Lawmaker Jeon Jong-deok and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions condemned the lack of budget for care‑worker pay and urged the National Assembly to allocate more funds.

MFDS approves Latica Eye Drops 5% for adult dry‑eye patients, marking Korea’s 44th domestically developed new drug and expanding treatment options.