An ad for Champ Cough, a cold remedy for children’s cold such as coughing, asthma, and sputum. (Photo: Dong-A Pharmaceutical)

Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co. announced on Nov. 11 a cough syrup, “Champ Cough,” has been put on the market. The syrup-type cold remedy is designed to treat children’s colds.

The new syrup eases coughing, as it includes pharmaceutical agents such as tipepidinate, and methyl ephedrine, among others, to help address coughing, sputum and asthma in children.

An outstanding aspect of the cough medicine is that it does not include color or preservatives, putting mothers’ concern at ease.

It is also packaged in the form of a 5 ml stick pouch, which is good for only one use so that they are easy to carry around, more hygienic as they are packaged by pouches. They can be easily opened without using scissors.

‘Champ Cough’ comes with a grape taste to make it easy to drink for children from the age of 2, depending on the drinkable quantity. For example, children aged 3 to 5 are advised to have a bottle of 5 ml of Champ Cough without the help of a spoon or measuring cup.

Dong-A Pharm launched its “Champ” cold remedy in 2012. In 2016, it came in a pouch to ease fever and pain symptoms associated with a common cold.

Dong-A has been the leading domestic firm in the Korean pharmaceutical industry since its establishment in 1932. By continuously investing in research and development, Dong-A has developed three original drugs and achieved a competitive advantage over its domestic competitors.

However, since the introduction of a drug price reduction policy in 2012 by the Korean government, Dong-A’s sales revenue from the domestic market has decreased significantly.

This new policy has also influenced the landscape of the Korean pharmaceutical industry by changing the strategic positions of other pharmaceutical firms. Dong-A must respond to this challenging environment.

Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, the largest pharmaceutical company in South Korea, began as a wholesale store for medical supplies and hygienic materials in 1932.

Joong-Hee Kang, the founder of Dong-A, started his own store in Joonghak-Dong, Jongro-Ku, Seoul, based on his work experience at a small Japanese pharmaceutical company. After obtaining permission to manufacture medicines in 1942, the company released its first five products.

In particular, ‘Seng Myung Su,’ digestive syrup, had a great success. In 1963, Dong-A released the comprehensive nutritious tonic ‘Bacchus,’ which has become the most popular energy drink in Korea since then.

Its name is derived from the Roman god Bacchus (Dionysus in Greek); Chairman Shin-Ho Kang, the son of the founder, was inspired by the sculpture of Bacchus that stood in the hallway of the basement of the city hall in Hamburg, Germany, where he obtained his medical degree.

The success of Bacchus made Dong-A the No. 1 pharmaceutical company in Korea by sales in only 4 years. Since then, Dong-A has played a pivotal role in the Korean pharmaceutical industry.

After the death of its founder, Joong-Hee Kang, in 1977, his son succeeded him as the leader of the company. With the vision of becoming a ‘Global company renowned for its innovative pharmaceutical products,’ Dong-A has invested intense efforts in producing innovative products.

Dong-A was the first Korean pharmaceutical company to establish a research laboratory.

Its continuous investment in research and development (R&D) resulted in the development of three original drugs: Stillen in 2002, Zydena in 2005, and Motilitone in 2011.

In 2010, Dong-A was the No. 1 pharmaceutical company in Korea, with annual sales of 846.8 billion won ($769.8 million).

In addition to pursuing the domestic market, Dong-A has pursued global markets by actively collaborating with foreign pharmaceutical firms. In 2007, Dong-A and Trius Therapeutics, an American company, entered into a license agreement to develop antibacterial compounds.

Dong-A signed an agreement with Meiji Seika Pharma, Japan, to license Zydena tablets in 2011.

Dong-A also agreed to a comprehensive collaboration with Meiji Seika to construct a biosimilar production plant in Songdo, South Korea, to target the global market for antibody-based drugs.