SK Chemicals has announced the release of a new high-dose version of Joins, its flagship natural product-based medication for osteoarthritis. On the 11th, the company introduced Joins F Tablets 300 mg (Joins F), a formulation that increases the active ingredient concentration by 1.5 times compared to the original 200 mg tablet.
The primary advantage of the new formulation is its simplified dosing schedule. While the standard daily requirement is 600 mg, the previous 200 mg tablets required patients to take medication three times a day. Joins F allows patients to reach the same dosage with just two daily doses. Because osteoarthritis is a chronic condition primarily affecting older adults who require long-term management, this reduction in pill frequency is expected to significantly improve medication adherence and patient convenience.
Reduced Financial Burden for Long-Term Management
In addition to improved convenience, the high-dose formulation offers a lower cost for patients. Based on the recommended daily dosage, the medication cost for Joins F 300 mg is 976 won per day, a notable decrease from the 1,170 won required for the 200 mg regimen.
The safety and efficacy of the new dosage were confirmed through Phase 3 clinical trials involving 278 patients aged 20 to 75 with primary knee osteoarthritis. Over a 12-week study comparing Joins F against a standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Joins F demonstrated comparable pain relief and functional improvement. No serious adverse reactions were reported, and the overall incidence of side effects showed no statistically meaningful difference from existing treatments.
Addressing Quality of Life in an Aging Population
Park Hyun-seon, Head of Business at SK Chemicals, emphasized the importance of effective symptom management for the elderly. “Osteoarthritis is prevalent among older adults; beyond the physical pain, it can reduce activity levels, leading to decreased muscle mass and a lower quality of life,” Park stated. He added that professional treatment to relieve these symptoms is essential and that the company remains committed to reflecting patient and clinical feedback to further improve treatment convenience.
