GC MS launches Korea’s 1st domestically produced powdered hemodialysis agent

GC Medical Science (GC MS), a specialized manufacturer of in vitro diagnostics and hemodialysis solutions, announced on Thursday that it has developed Korea's first powdered hemodialysis agent and commenced full-scale manufacturing and sales.

GC MS HD Plant in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province (Courtesy of GC MS)

Hemodialysis treatment requires the simultaneous use of an acidic “A solution (acid bag)” and an alkaline “B solution (bicarbonate bag)” to maintain blood pH levels. This newly approved product is a powdered formulation that addresses the shortcomings of the existing liquid B solution, marking the first such product to receive approval among domestically produced products.

With this approval for the powder-type hemodialysis solution, GC MS now offers a complete range of products: A solution, liquid B solution, and powdered B solution.

According to GC MS, the powdered product offers cost advantages over existing liquid formulations due to its smaller volume and lighter weight, reducing logistics and transportation costs. Unlike sealed products currently sold in the Korean market via imports, its openable structure with a separable container and lid facilitates easy disposal of residual contents, enhancing convenience for medical institutions.

GC MS has built a manufacturing line exclusively for powdered hemodialysis agents at its Eumseong HD Plant in North Chungcheong Province since 2022, establishing a mass production system. It recently completed the setup, obtained manufacturing approval, and signed supply contracts with major domestic companies to begin sales.

“Powdered hemodialysis agents sold domestically were entirely dependent on imports. This launch is expected to significantly contribute to improving the treatment environment for domestic hemodialysis patients by ensuring a stable domestic supply and achieving import substitution effects,” a GC MS official said. “We are also actively pursuing direct exports.”

GC MS operates the largest liquid hemodialysis solution plant in Korea. The Eumseong HD Plant was completed in 2019 and began operations in May 2020. The factory site covers approximately 22,000 square meters and has an annual production capacity of about 6 million units of liquid hemodialysis solution, accounting for more than half of Korea’s total domestic supply.