Dong-A ST is making strides in the pharmaceutical market with the introduction of its darbepoetin alfa biosimilar, known as Davecron. Launched recently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this product represents the company’s efforts to address anemia prevalent in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and those undergoing chemotherapy.
Introduction of Davecron in the UAE
On December 12, 2024, Dong-A ST announced the debut of Davecron, a second-generation biosimilar treatment for anemia. This innovative product follows the legacy of its reference drug, “Nesp,” which was co-developed by the American firm Amgen and Japan’s Kyowa Hakko Kirin. Davecron targets anemia in patients facing chronic kidney issues or receiving anticancer therapies, thus allowing a broader patient demographic to access effective treatment options.
Strategic Partnerships and Licensing Agreements
Dong-A ST has established a robust partnership to optimize the distribution of Davecron. In November 2024, the company collaborated with Julphar, a pharmaceutical leader based in the UAE, under a licensing agreement covering 18 nations in the Asia, Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) regions. This agreement empowers Julphar to oversee both product approval and commercialization efforts. Following a successful marketing authorization in June 2024, Julphar has completed the initial launch of Davecron, signaling a significant entry into the MENA market.
Market Expansion Plans
The entry of Davecron into the UAE marks its first major commercialization phase in the MENA region. Both Dong-A ST and Julphar are keen on expanding their reach within major markets across the MENA landscape, with plans to initiate a strategic rollout beginning from the UAE. This systematic expansion aims to build a stronger presence in various countries, ultimately enhancing accessibility for patients who need such life-saving treatments.
Global Development Strategy
The development of Davecron signifies a long-term commitment by Dong-A ST. This product is the result of a collaborative agreement signed back in 2014 with Japan’s Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho (SKK). Davecron received manufacturing and sales approval in Japan in 2019, where it is marketed under the name “Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection Sanwa.” Notably, sales figures in Japan saw impressive growth, rising from 16.5 billion won in 2024 to 26.7 billion won in 2025.
Dong-A ST is strategically positioning Davecron in various global markets. While it moves forward as a Nesp biosimilar in Japan, MENA, and Türkiye, the company is also developing a version targeting notable markets like the U.S. and Europe, where it will serve as a biosimilar for Amgen’s “Aranesp.”
Dong-A ST emphasizes its commitment by stating, “With the successful launch of Davecron in the UAE, we have laid the groundwork for expanding into the MENA market.” The collaboration with Julphar is expected to facilitate approvals and distribution across the MENA region while pushing ahead with development efforts in major global markets. The aim is clear: to serve patients effectively with innovative biosimilar treatments, improving their quality of life while maintaining competitive pricing.