Japan's Shionogi seeks approval for COVID pill in South Korea

Drugmaker pursues first overseas authorization for Xocova treatment

Japanese drugmaker Shionogi looks to manufacture and sell its COVID antiviral pill Xocova in overseas markets. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

NEO JIMBO, Nikkei staff writer

January 5, 2023 00:41 JST

OSAKA -- Japanese drugmaker Shionogi said Wednesday that its COVID-19 pill has been submitted for approval in South Korea, the first official application for the treatment overseas.

Shionogi is conducting clinical trials of its antiviral tablet Xocova in South Korea and Vietnam. Ildong Pharmaceutical, Shionogi's Seoul-based partner, submitted the application for Xocova on behalf of the Japanese company. The drug, whose generic name is ensitrelvir, can be used to treat patients with mild symptoms.