Samjin Pharmaceutical (005500) announced on May 22 that it has commenced production of Lorazepam (Ativan) injection, a national essential medicine and a designated anti-discontinuation drug, to ensure stable supply.
Lorazepam injection is a key benzodiazepine used in emergency rooms and intensive care units to stabilize patients experiencing seizures or convulsions, particularly essential for treating status epilepticus. The drug has faced supply disruptions since last year, raising concerns in clinical settings.
The stabilization of Lorazepam injection supply is the result of close public-private collaboration between health authorities and the company. Samjin Pharmaceutical has maintained swift and tight consultations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, and the National Health Insurance Service.
Notably, the MFDS conducted on-site inspections at Samjin's Osong plant to review production status, providing active administrative support. This rapid government response, combined with Samjin's proven manufacturing capabilities, has preemptively mitigated the supply chain crisis for this essential medicine.
Samjin Pharmaceutical has long adhered to the principle that 'when a patient needs it, the necessary medicine must be available,' consistently producing national essential and anti-discontinuation drugs to stabilize supply.
Kim Sang-jin, CEO of Samjin Pharmaceutical, stated: 'Supporting medical professionals so they can focus solely on patient treatment without worrying about drug supply is the natural duty of a pharmaceutical company. We will continue to take responsibility for the stable supply of national essential medicines through close cooperation with health authorities.'