Have you ever heard about “orphan drugs”? These are medicines for rare diseases that pharmaceutical companies might hesitate to manufacture. However, interestingly, in South Korea, there is an exclusive institute called the Korea Orphan and Essential Drug Center (KODC) that steps in to ensure that important, rare treatments reach the patients who need them.

Consider KODC as a safety net for medicines for rare diseases that patients might urgently need but are unable to find in the market. The center puts in a lot of effort to:

• Secure Medications: KODC ensures that orphan drugs and essential medicines are available for patients, even if they are hard to find.
• Help Hospitals and Patients:  KODC facilitates easier and faster access to rare medicines for hospitals and patients who need these treatments on an urgent basis.
• Connect Drugmakers and Healthcare: KODC acts as a bridge between companies making orphan drugs and the Korean healthcare system, thereby ensuring that both parties are on the same page.

Why is KODC Important in South Korea?

Here are some of the key functions of KODC that help enhance the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector in South Korea:

• Rare Disease Support: KODC ensures that people with rare diseases get the life-saving treatments that they need.
• Public Health: KODC keeps all essential medicines in stock, especially during emergencies or when there are insufficient drugs in the market.
• Stability: Through the above functions, KODC helps make the South Korean pharmaceutical industry stronger and more reliable.

KODC is committed to ensuring that everyone can access the medicines they need, especially for rare diseases. They play a significant role in maintaining the health and well-being of people in South Korea.

Would you like to learn more about KODC? Reach out to our experts at Freyr today!