GC Pharma said Thursday that the sales of Peramiflu, an influenza vaccine, has jumped four-fold year-on-year to 2.4 billion won ($2.2 million) in January.

Peramiflu

Peramiflu, launched in 2010, is an antiviral drug that treats both types A and B virus infections that are currently on the rise. The drug is the only injectable treatment for influenza, while other therapies consist of oral medicines such as capsules and inhaled remedies.

The company believes that the explosive demand for this product is due to the increasing popularity of injectable treatment by medical professionals and patients this year due to the strong flu pandemic.

Compared to oral medication that requires the patient to take five to 10 times a day, Peramiflu only requires a single injection that takes 15 to 30 minutes. Such shortened procedures have increased the convenience of patients while giving an alternative treatment method to influenza patients, who have difficulty taking long-term medication or inhaling the drug through their nose.

The drug's advantage also includes its quick treatment of patients during the initial phase of an illness. In various clinical trials conducted in countries such as in Korea, Japan and Taiwan the drug showed that the rate of patients recovering to normal body temperature during the first 24 hours was 10 percent higher than oral treatment. It also significantly lowers adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting that occur when taking oral medications.

“Peramiflu has become a new alternative in the influenza vaccine market because of its differentiated advantages,” said Kang Jung-ho, GC Pharma team leader. “In the case of B-type influenza, the time required in relieving the overall flu symptoms such as fever and chills is halved when compared to oral treatments.”

The company expects the demand for the product will increase between February and April, Kang added.

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