Dong-A ST is accelerating the global commercialization of its epilepsy treatment portfolio through a new licensing agreement covering Australia and New Zealand.
The South Korean pharmaceutical company announced Tuesday that it has signed a licensing-out agreement with Australia's Arrotex Pharmaceutical for cenobamate, an anti-epileptic drug marketed as Xcopri.
Under the agreement, Arrotex will be responsible for regulatory approval, marketing, and commercialization of the product in Australia and New Zealand, while Dong-A ST will manufacture and supply the finished product.
The deal represents a significant milestone for Dong-A ST, as it is the company's first overseas licensing-out transaction involving a product originally acquired through an in-licensing agreement.
Dong-A ST secured rights to cenobamate in January 2024 through a licensing agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals. The agreement granted Dong-A ST commercialization rights in 30 countries, including South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye, Russia, and several markets across Southeast and South Asia.
The company received regulatory approval for cenobamate in South Korea in November 2025 and is currently pursuing reimbursement listing procedures.
Cenobamate is a next-generation anti-seizure medication designed to treat adults with partial-onset seizures. The drug works by reducing neuronal hyperexcitability through inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels while enhancing the activity of GABAA receptors, helping restore balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.
Clinical studies have demonstrated the drug's efficacy in significantly reducing seizure frequency, with some patients achieving complete seizure freedom during treatment. These results have positioned cenobamate as an important treatment option for epilepsy patients whose seizures remain inadequately controlled with existing therapies.
Industry observers note that epilepsy remains one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, creating sustained demand for innovative therapies that offer improved seizure control and better quality of life for patients.
Arrotex, one of Australia's leading pharmaceutical companies in the prescription medicine market, was selected as Dong-A ST's commercialization partner due to its extensive distribution network across Australia and New Zealand. The company also maintains a dedicated central nervous system (CNS) business unit and markets a range of epilepsy therapies, providing a strong platform for the launch of cenobamate in the region.
Dong-A ST said the partnership aligns with its broader strategy of expanding its international footprint through a combination of licensing agreements, strategic collaborations, and product commercialization initiatives.
“This agreement represents an important milestone in expanding our global business operations,” said Jung Jae-hoon, President and CEO of Dong-A ST. “We will continue to strengthen our international competitiveness and broaden our presence in overseas markets through diverse partnership models and global business opportunities.”
The agreement further highlights the growing role of Korean pharmaceutical companies in the global specialty drug market as they increasingly pursue international expansion beyond domestic commercialization.
