Dong-A ST Launched Anemia Biosimilar in UAE
The drug manufacturer has expanded its reach into the MENA region through a new partnership for the anemia treatment Dabecron.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Healthcare
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Dong-A ST has officially launched its biosimilar anemia treatment, Dabecron, in the United Arab Emirates. The drug, which is indicated for patients with chronic kidney failure and chemotherapy-induced anemia, is being commercialized through a licensing partnership with Julphar.
Why it matters
This move marks a key expansion for Dong-A ST into the Middle East and North Africa as it scales the commercial footprint of a drug already established in Asian markets. The partnership allows the firm to leverage local regulatory and distribution infrastructure to compete in regional healthcare sectors.
Dabecron saw sales grow to 26.7 billion Korean won in 2025, up from 16.5 billion in 2024 in Japan. The new launch is part of a licensing agreement covering 18 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The players
Dong-A ST
A South Korean pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacturing of biosimilars and ethical drugs.
Julphar
A Gulf-based pharmaceutical manufacturer responsible for the commercialization of the biosimilar within the MENA region.
The details
The rollout follows a November 2024 license agreement between Dong-A ST and Julphar, which granted the latter responsibility for product approval and commercialization. Julphar secured the necessary product approval in the UAE in June 2026, enabling the current launch. The biosimilar is a version of darbepoetin alfa, which has been sold in Japan since 2019 under the name Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection Sanwa.
Timeline
2014: Dong-A ST signed a development contract with SKK.
2019: Dabecron received manufacturing and sales approval in Japan.
November 2024: Dong-A ST signed a license agreement with Julphar.
June 2026: Julphar obtained product approval in the UAE.
October 12, 2026: Dong-A ST announced the launch of Dabecron.
Market Landscape
This launch follows the successful regulatory and commercial pathway previously established by the drug's approval in Japan in 2019. It reflects a broader trend of South Korean manufacturers utilizing licensing agreements to navigate complex regulatory environments in the MENA region.
Operators in the pharmaceutical and medical distribution space should monitor how this 18-country licensing structure influences market share in the MENA region. Pay attention to upcoming regulatory filings as both companies work toward expanding approvals in additional major markets.
The takeaway
Licensing agreements can be an effective mechanism for entering new geographic markets without establishing a local manufacturing presence from scratch. Track the success of this product in the UAE as a leading indicator for the viability of your firm's own cross-border distribution partnerships.
Further reading
For more information on market access and industry trends, visit our Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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