[Edaily Reporter Hong Ju-yeon] #Onconic Therapeutics’ new drug for gastroesophageal reflux disease, Jacubo, is accelerating its entry into the Southeast Asian market, starting with Indonesia.

On the 11th, Onconic Therapeutics announced that it had signed a License and Supply Agreement with “Dexa Medica,” a leading pharmaceutical company in Indonesia, for “Zacubo” (active ingredient: zastafrasan), a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Under this agreement, Dexa Medica will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorization and commercializing Jacubo in Indonesia. Onconic Therapeutics will be responsible for supplying the finished product. Specific terms of the agreement, including the contract value, were not disclosed.

Founded in 1969, Dexa Medica is a leading Indonesian pharmaceutical company with a nationwide sales and distribution network covering major local healthcare institutions, including general hospitals, pharmacies, and health centers. With experience in introducing numerous innovative foreign drugs and securing local approvals and distribution, the company is expected to accelerate the local approval and commercialization of Jacubo.

Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country with approximately 280 million people and hosts the largest market for peptic ulcer drugs within the ASEAN region. The market for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatments is maintaining steady annual growth of about 6%, making it a key market that global pharmaceutical companies view as a strategic stronghold.

Recently, Indonesia has seen a steady increase in the diagnosis and prescription of chronic diseases due to changes in dietary habits driven by economic growth, improved access to healthcare, and the expansion of the health insurance system. Consequently, in the GERD treatment sector, demand for P-CAB (potassium-competitive acid blocker) drugs is expected to grow significantly, shifting from the current PPI (proton pump inhibitor)-centric treatment approach.

Currently, Onconic Therapeutics has completed the marketing authorization application for Jacubo in China and is conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial to secure additional indications. Recently, the company has also completed regulatory filings in India and Mexico, accelerating the global commercialization of Jacubo.

An Onconic Therapeutics official stated, “Indonesia is a key Southeast Asian market with high growth potential. As this agreement has laid the foundation for Jacubo’s entry into the Southeast Asian market, we plan to pursue additional licensing-out agreements.” The official added, “We will proceed without a hitch with the overseas approval and market share expansion of this domestically developed original new drug to create a global blockbuster success story.”