AstraZeneca, the original drug maker of the SGLT-2 inhibitor for the treatment of diabetes, ‘Forxiga,’ won the second trial over its substance patent.

The ruling has abruptly put a hold on Dong-A ST’s plans for the early release of its Forxiga latecomer. The industry interpreted this as a crisis for the ‘pro-drug strategy’ that has been gaining attention as a breakthrough in overcoming the substance patent of originals.

On the 17th, the Patent Court of Korea overturned the first instance court ruling and ruled in favor of AstraZeneca in its appeal against Dong-A ST to overrule the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB)’s decision. The IPTAB had previously ruled in fav