Daewoong Pharmaceutical has launched its homegrown gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment Fexuclue in Indonesia, opening another front in the company’s push to expand its gastrointestinal drug business across Southeast Asia.
Fexuclue 40mg, whose active ingredient is fexuprazan hydrochloride, has been approved in Indonesia for the treatment of erosive GERD. Daewoong said it plans to build its prescription base by highlighting the drug’s rapid onset of action, sustained acid suppression and ability to help manage nighttime symptoms.
The Indonesian launch comes as demand for treatments for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders continues to expand in the country. Indonesia has a population of roughly 280 million and is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, making it an important market for pharmaceutical companies seeking to establish a broader presence in the region.
According to data cited by Daewoong, Indonesia’s anti-ulcer drug market was worth about $164.3 million in 2025, equivalent to roughly 235 billion won, and grew at an average annual rate of 6.8% between 2023 and 2025.
The market is still largely dominated by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but newer potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) are gaining ground. Indonesia’s P-CAB market has expanded 8.9-fold over the past two years, pointing to growing interest in the newer class of acid-suppressing treatments.
P-CAB drugs have attracted attention globally for their rapid onset and convenience, with the class gradually expanding its share of the acid-suppression market traditionally dominated by PPIs. BCC Research estimates the global P-CAB market will grow from approximately 1.55 trillion won in 2025 to around 1.88 trillion won by 2030.
Daewoong is also pursuing additional clinical evidence to broaden Fexuclue’s use in Indonesia and other markets. The company is conducting a multinational Phase 3 study in South Korea and Indonesia for an indication related to gastric ulcers, with the aim of expanding the drug’s potential prescription base.
The Indonesian launch is part of a broader international expansion of Fexuclue. The drug has entered 30 overseas markets and secured regulatory approval in 16 countries. It is currently marketed in eight countries, including Mexico, India and the Philippines.
China is another key market on Daewoong’s expansion roadmap. With the company preparing for the launch of Fexuclue in the world’s largest anti-ulcer drug market, overseas sales are expected to become an increasingly important growth driver for the product.
Industry observers say Indonesia could serve as a useful base for Daewoong’s broader ASEAN strategy, given the country’s large population, growing gastrointestinal drug market and early-stage expansion of P-CAB therapies. At the same time, the company will need to expand awareness of the newer drug class and demonstrate its clinical value in a market where PPIs remain firmly established.
