Journalist

Lee Hyo jung
  • SK Bioscience Symposium, GC Pharma FDA Plasma Approval, Kolon Cancer Data, Korea Bio Response Hub
    SK Bioscience Symposium, GC Pharma FDA Plasma Approval, Kolon Cancer Data, Korea Bio Response Hub SK Bioscience holds 2026 Sky Vision Symposium SK Bioscience said it held its “2026 Sky Vision Symposium” on April 4-5 at the Oakwood Premier hotel in Songdo, Incheon. The sessions were chaired by Lee Jeong-yong, president of the Korean Association of Internal Medicine, and Gwak Gyeong-geun, president of the Seoul Association of Internal Medicine, with infectious-disease specialists and community physicians presenting. In the first-day vaccine session, speakers highlighted the benefits of cell-based influenza vaccines. Lee Jae-gap, a professor at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, said the cell-based method is less affected by viral mutations than egg-based vaccines and has higher antigen matching, citing the rationale behind recommendations in global guidelines, including those in the U.K., and real-world evidence of preventive effects. Noh Ji-yoon, a professor at Korea University Guro Hospital, presented on shingles vaccination strategies, citing recent findings on the long-term preventive effect of live shingles vaccines, reduced risk among people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, and links to dementia and cardiovascular disease. On the second day, discussions turned to patient-tailored nutrition therapy. Kang Han-uk, director of Jeong Internal Medicine Clinic, and Hwang Deok-won, director of Chamdeundeun Internal Medicine Clinic, presented on clinical use of three-chamber nutritional infusions and immune-strengthening strategies using omega-3 fatty acids, respectively. Lee Jeong-yong said, “As we enter an era of aging, the roles of vaccination and nutrition therapy have become more important than ever,” adding that the symposium provided practical information physicians could use immediately in clinics. GC Pharma’s Laredo plasma center wins FDA approval GC Pharma said its U.S. subsidiary ABO Plasma received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its Laredo plasma center in Texas. The company said the approval came more than three months earlier than expected, citing ABO Plasma’s operating expertise and the Laredo center’s rapid process stabilization. With the approval, ABO Plasma has secured FDA clearance for all seven plasma centers it operates in the United States. In the U.S., only plasma collected at FDA-approved centers can be sold commercially or used as raw material for pharmaceuticals. ABO Plasma plans to open an eighth center in Eagle Pass, Texas, within the year. GC Pharma said it aims to raise utilization across all centers to 100% by 2028 and to self-procure 80% of the source plasma needed to produce its blood-product new drug, “Aliglo.” GC Pharma CEO Hur Eun-cheol said, “Based on a solid business structure, we will strengthen competitiveness in the U.S. plasma fractionation business.” Kolon Life Science to unveil head and neck cancer preclinical data at AACR Kolon Life Science said it will present, for the first time publicly, preclinical results for its anticancer gene-therapy candidate KLS-3021 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or HNSCC, at the American Association for Cancer Research’s AACR 2026 meeting in San Diego from April 17-22 local time. The company said KLS-3021 showed antitumor effects in the HNSCC preclinical study regardless of PD-L1 expression levels. It also shifted the tumor microenvironment toward conditions favorable for anticancer immunity, supporting its potential as a next-generation immuno-oncology viral therapy, the company said. KLS-3021 is built on a recombinant vaccinia virus engineered for greater cancer-cell selectivity and carries therapeutic genes PH-20, IL-12 and sPD1-Fc. Kolon said it is designed to combine direct tumor killing with breakdown of tumor stroma and induction of anticancer immune responses. In the study, KLS-3021 showed antitumor efficacy across multiple orthotopic HNSCC tumor models. In a high PD-L1 expression model, a single intratumoral dose produced greater tumor suppression than the standard immunotherapy “anti-PD-1,” the company said, suggesting a new treatment possibility for patients with high PD-L1 expression. Kolon Life Science said it will continue to strengthen HNSCC research for KLS-3021 and use the AACR presentation to highlight its development potential and broader applicability as a next-generation oncolytic virus platform to global researchers. CEO Lee Han-uk said, “We will further refine our development strategy centered on cancers with high unmet needs and move to fully scale up global R&D cooperation.” Korea pharma-bio group launches emergency hub over Middle East war supply risks The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association said it has set up an emergency response headquarters to address drug supply-chain instability stemming from the Middle East war. The headquarters is led by Vice Chairman Lee Jae-guk, the association said. The organization will operate with a first deputy head, Eom Seung-in, and a second deputy head, Hong Jeong-gi, and will be divided into three teams: an overall situation team led by Deputy Head Joo Eun-young; an external cooperation team led by Director Lee Hyeon-woo; and a field communication team led by Manager Kim Myeong-jung. The association noted that naphtha is a key feedstock for ethylene production, and ethylene is a basic material for plastics. It said the pharmaceutical and biotech industry relies heavily on plastic-based materials. The overall situation team will monitor domestic drug supply and demand and review support measures. The external cooperation team will share trends in drug imports and exports and overseas developments. The field communication team will collect member companies’ difficulties and, if needed, activate an emergency contact network with company executives. The association said it will hold weekly headquarters-level meetings to respond quickly to developments in the Middle East. The association said it will closely monitor companies’ import, production and supply conditions and assess broader industry impacts. For items expected to face supply instability, it said it will work with the government on countermeasures and also coordinate with the government to check and respond to longer-term risks. Chairman Noh Yeon-hong said the domestic pharma-bio industry is facing compounded difficulties from drug price cuts and a weak won, now worsened by instability in the Middle East. “We will build a rapid response system related to the Middle East situation to ensure stable drug supply and minimize damage to the industry,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 17:22:04
  • Dongwha Pharm Names Shin Yong-jae Head of Jungseon Pharma’s Ho Chi Minh Office
    Dongwha Pharm Names Shin Yong-jae Head of Jungseon Pharma’s Ho Chi Minh Office Dongwha Pharm said April 9 it has appointed Executive Director Shin Yong-jae as head of the Ho Chi Minh City office of Jungseon Pharma, a major pharmacy chain in Vietnam. Shin will oversee operations of the Ho Chi Minh City branch and lead the company’s new business efforts in Vietnam, the company said, as it seeks to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia. Shin joined Samsung Group through its 2006 open recruitment and worked in Hotel Shilla’s finance and management teams. He later served as chief financial officer at Hotel Shilla’s China unit and at a joint venture between Hotel Shilla and Hongtong Sun Art Retail Group, handling global business and operations. At joint ventures involving SK On and China’s Beijing Automotive and EVE Energy, he worked as CFO and chief executive officer, overseeing investment, finance and overall business operations. Shin said he would “build a foundation for Jungseon Pharma’s expansion in the Southeast Asian market, strengthen competitiveness and maintain a stable growth trajectory.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 11:21:00
  • JW Pharmaceutical Signs Deal to Bring China’s Biweekly Obesity Drug Candidate to South Korea
    JW Pharmaceutical Signs Deal to Bring China’s Biweekly Obesity Drug Candidate to South Korea JW Pharmaceutical said April 9 it signed an exclusive licensing agreement with China’s Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals to bring in bofanglutide (development code GZR18), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug candidate. Under the deal, JW Pharmaceutical secured exclusive rights in South Korea covering development, regulatory approval, marketing and commercialization. The total contract value is $81.10 million (about 110 billion won), with sales-based royalties to be paid separately. The agreement also includes rights for four indications: Type 2 diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Bofanglutide is a synthetic peptide being developed as a subcutaneous injection given once every two weeks. The company said it works by stimulating insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying to help maintain satiety, reducing appetite and body weight. In a Phase 2a trial, average body weight fell 17.29% after 30 weeks of dosing every two weeks. JW Pharmaceutical plans to launch Phase 3 trials in South Korea in the second half of this year for obesity and Type 2 diabetes at the same time. CEO Shin Young-seop said, “Based on our proven development capabilities, we will successfully advance the commercialization of bofanglutide in Korea and provide patients with metabolic diseases an innovative treatment option.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 11:15:00
  • Samchundang Pharm Faces Growing Doubts Over Block Deal, S-Pass Tech and Patent Rights
    Samchundang Pharm Faces Growing Doubts Over Block Deal, S-Pass Tech and Patent Rights Negative issues surrounding Samchundang Pharm have continued to spread, including controversy over a planned block deal by its controlling shareholder and questions about the substance of its technology and the structure of related agreements. The company moved quickly to contain the fallout, withdrawing the block-deal plan and outlining the competitiveness of its oral formulation platform, S-Pass, and its global partnership structure. But investors have said the company has not provided enough indicators or data to resolve doubts, including a lack of disclosed evidence supporting its core technology. With a dispute now also emerging over patent ownership, industry officials warn the issue could extend beyond one company and undermine confidence in South Korea’s broader pharmaceutical sector. According to the industry on April 8, Samchundang Pharm — once the top company by market capitalization on the KOSDAQ — is facing allegations of stock manipulation and criticism that the scope of patents tied to the S-Pass platform is unclear. Questions have grown as the company has not sufficiently disclosed pharmacokinetic, or PK, data, which is commonly viewed as a key benchmark for demonstrating drug effects. A separate dispute has also surfaced over ownership of a key patent. A media outlet reported the previous day that Summit Biotech, a Taiwanese company, filed the patent application for S-Pass, Samchundang Pharm’s drug-delivery platform. The report also argued it was unusual for an overseas company with no equity relationship to hold a core-technology patent. Samchundang Pharm rejected that claim, saying that while it does not hold an equity stake in Summit Biotech, ownership “belongs entirely” to Samchundang Pharm based on a comprehensive research-services contract under which it paid all research and development costs. As the controversy deepens, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry has increasingly viewed the situation as more than a single-company risk. In recent years, technology-export deals and platform-based companies have surged, and industry officials say there have been repeated cases of firms seeking to secure market trust without releasing core data. A pharmaceutical company official cited past cases, saying Alteogen — once No. 1 on the KOSDAQ — previously saw its share price plunge when its technology-export scale fell short of market expectations, and SillaJen was once pushed to the brink of delisting after a Phase 3 liver cancer trial failed. The official said the domestic market is vulnerable to confidence shocks that can quickly freeze investment sentiment across the sector. Some have also pointed to spillover into sector funds. As of April 7, the TIGER KOSDAQ150 Biotech exchange-traded fund posted a roughly 15% loss over the past week, fueling concerns that sentiment toward the domestic biotech industry is already weakening. Samchundang Pharm shares extended their slide. According to the Korea Exchange, the stock closed at 485,000 won on the day, down 6.55% from 519,000 won the previous session. A so-called “imperial stock” that had been eyeing the 1.2 million won level as of late last month has fallen to less than half that level in a short period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 17:33:55
  • U.S. Leads Global Biotech for 15 Years as China Gains; South Korea Expands CDMO Footprint
    U.S. Leads Global Biotech for 15 Years as China Gains; South Korea Expands CDMO Footprint The number of publicly listed biotech companies and biotech patent filings has continued to rise worldwide, with the United States holding the top spot for 15 years. With expectations that Asia led by China will expand, South Korean biotech companies are accelerating efforts to secure global production hubs, led by contract development and manufacturing (CDMO). Data released Tuesday by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) showed the number of biotech companies listed on stock exchanges worldwide rose to 2,787 in 2022 from 1,542 in 2009, an average annual increase of 4.68%. By country over the past 15 years from 2009 to 2023, U.S.-based companies accounted for the largest share at 28.86%, followed by China, India and Canada. South Korea ranked fifth with 5.18%. Companies listed on the Nasdaq made up the biggest portion at 18.46%, while firms listed on South Korea’s KOSDAQ and KOSPI accounted for 6.1%. The United States also led biotech patent filings over the past 15 years, with a 17.54% share, followed by China at 12.51% and Japan at 9.74%. China’s share more than doubled over the period and ranked first in 2021 at 15.5%. South Korea held fifth place at 4.99%. As the market remains heavily weighted toward the United States, some analysts expect Asia’s market — centered on China — to expand over the medium to long term. South Korean companies are responding with large investments, including in U.S. production facilities to build global footholds. Samsung Biologics, Celltrion and Lotte Biologics have been expanding U.S. manufacturing bases. Samsung Biologics said it completed the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline’s plant in Rockville on March 31 local time. Celltrion said it completed the acquisition of a Branchburg, New Jersey, facility from Eli Lilly on Dec. 31 and began full operations in January. Lotte Biologics was the first among them to secure a U.S. production base, acquiring a 40,000-liter facility in Syracuse, New York, from Bristol Myers Squibb in 2022 and operating it. Combined, the three companies’ U.S. biologics production capacity totals 166,000 liters. An industry official said U.S. facilities would play key roles by easing tariff risks, strengthening responses to global clients and diversifying supply chains. Some have called for policy support, including expanded institutional investment and government incentives to encourage sustained capital inflows from overseas. In its report, KISTI said, “Especially for patent filings, a strategy appears necessary to respond to U.S. technological leadership and China’s quantitative expansion,” adding that companies should be guided to shift R&D toward “qualitative innovation” so they can move from quantity to quality in technology development. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-07 18:34:01
  • Celltrion’s Truxima Tops U.S. Rituximab Prescriptions, a First for a Korean Biosimilar
    Celltrion’s Truxima Tops U.S. Rituximab Prescriptions, a First for a Korean Biosimilar Celltrion’s blood cancer treatment Truxima (rituximab) has ranked No. 1 in prescription share in the United States, the world’s largest pharmaceutical market, the company said. It is the first such milestone for a biosimilar from South Korea. According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, Truxima held a 35.8% share in the U.S. in February, based on prescription volume, placing it first. The result comes about six years and three months after Truxima entered the U.S. market in November 2019. It has become the most-prescribed rituximab product locally, surpassing the original drug and other major global pharmaceutical products. The performance gives Truxima the distinction of being the first Korean biosimilar to lead the U.S. market by share. Sales have also climbed. Truxima posted more than 300 billion won in revenue in North America last year, up more than 40% from the previous year, making it a key revenue driver for Celltrion. Celltrion said the business environment has improved after the U.S. government decided to exclude biosimilars from pharmaceutical tariffs. It added that its new drug Zymfentra (the U.S. product name for Remsima SC) is also set to be produced at its Branchburg plant in the United States, a structure the company said would largely shield it from tariff effects. Other products are also gaining traction. The autoimmune disease treatment Inflectra (infliximab) holds a 30.5% share in the United States, maintaining the highest prescription share among biosimilars, the company said. Zymfentra’s prescription volume in January rose more than threefold from a year earlier, supporting expectations for stronger synergy across the portfolio.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-07 15:21:00
  • Korea Medical Sector Warns of Supply Risks as Middle East War Drags On
    Korea Medical Sector Warns of Supply Risks as Middle East War Drags On The prolonged war in the Middle East is raising concerns that disruptions in raw materials and shipping could spill over into unstable supplies of medical products in South Korea. With early signs of shortages in medical disposables and pharmaceutical packaging, hospitals and pharmacies are stepping up vigilance. Industry officials said the conflict has made supplies of petrochemical feedstocks such as naphtha and bunker fuel less reliable, disrupting production of drug packaging and medical consumables. Naphtha is a key material for PVC and plastic pill bottles, IV and injection containers, and dispensing paper used for prescriptions. A pharmaceutical distribution official said volatility in raw material prices and uncertainty in ocean freight rates have led some suppliers to adjust shipments. Another pharmaceutical company official said there has not yet been major disruption to production and packaging lines, but added the company is closely watching the situation as the war drags on. Hospitals are already hearing talk of price increases for medical disposables. Suppliers of single-use items such as syringes, needles and sanitary gloves are said to be considering price hikes of about 10% to 20%. An official at a major hospital said suppliers began discussing price adjustments as early as last month, adding that the industry expects prices could rise in the first half of the year. Concerns are also spreading to neighborhood pharmacies, which rely on steady supplies of packaging materials such as dispensing paper, roll paper, dosing bottles and plastic pill containers. Some packaging firms have been partially controlling volumes or delaying deliveries since March, according to industry sources. A pharmacy owner in Seoul’s Jongno district, identified only as A, said any disruption in packaging supplies would immediately make it difficult to dispense and package medicines. Some pharmacies are also showing signs of stockpiling. A wholesaler said orders for dispensing paper and plastic pill containers have increased over the past month or two compared with usual levels, attributing the rise to growing anxiety. The government plans to inspect distribution, pricing and supply chains to prevent broader instability in supplies of medical products and medicines. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Health and Welfare said they will update their response manual for drug and medical device supply and take strong action against market-disrupting practices such as hoarding. Related agencies said they are continuously monitoring supplies of medical disposables and pharmaceutical packaging and preparing stockpiling and alternative production plans for items expected to face disruptions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-07 15:12:00
  • Korea Pharma-Bio Briefs: Celltrion, SK Bioscience, Hugel, Alteogen, CHA Hospital
    Korea Pharma-Bio Briefs: Celltrion, SK Bioscience, Hugel, Alteogen, CHA Hospital Celltrion says U.S. drug-tariff risk eased; to expand local production Celltrion said Sunday that a U.S. Trump administration measure announced April 2 on “adjusting imports of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients into the United States” has effectively removed tariff-related impacts on its business. Under the measure, a 100% tariff will be imposed on imports of patented drugs and related ingredients that are not produced in the United States or are not covered by U.S. government drug-price negotiations. South Korea, however, is expected to face a 15% tariff on pharmaceuticals in consideration of existing trade agreements, Celltrion said. Celltrion said the move eliminates any sales impact on its biosimilar products in the U.S., allowing it to run sales and marketing strategies more steadily. It plans to build up a step-by-step local production base so products sold in the U.S. can be made at its Branchburg plant in New Jersey, as it responds to future biosimilar policy changes. For Zymfentra, an infliximab subcutaneous formulation sold in the U.S. as a new drug, the drug substance will be produced at the Branchburg facility, the company said, adding it has completed technology transfer for Zymfentra production. Celltrion said it ultimately aims to manufacture all products sold in the U.S. at local plants. SK Bioscience hires Ma Sang-ho as head of research support SK Bioscience said Sunday it has hired Vice President Ma Sang-ho, a research project management specialist in infectious diseases, as head of research support in its Bio Research Division. Ma earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Sungkyunkwan University and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the company said. He has worked across nonclinical and clinical development projects for drugs and vaccines at organizations including the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, GC Green Cross and JW Pharmaceutical. SK Bioscience said Ma will help elevate its research and development capabilities based on his field experience and expertise. It said it has set up an integrated research management process under the research support office, including teams for research planning, bio regulatory management, nonclinical support and GCLP. The company said it plans to strengthen project management functions and open innovation, building support across the full cycle from research planning and regulatory response to nonclinical work and GCLP operations. It said the goal is to speed development and improve the completeness of its mid- to long-term pipeline while strengthening execution at each project stage. Hugel says it obtained ISO/IEC 27001 and 27701 information security certifications Hugel said Sunday it has obtained two international certifications for information security management: ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701. ISO/IEC standards are jointly set by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission. ISO/IEC 27001 sets requirements for an information security management system, while ISO/IEC 27701 extends that framework to personal information protection. Hugel said it first obtained ISO/IEC 27001 last year and has now passed a follow-up audit, demonstrating the stability and continued operation of its security management system. It said the new ISO/IEC 27701 certification brings its personal data protection system in line with global standards. “Information security and personal data management are becoming more important as we expand in global markets,” said Lee Sang-gyu, an executive director in Hugel’s compliance support division. He said the company plans to further develop security systems to global levels. Alteogen declares this year the start of ESG management, aims to build sustainable framework Alteogen said Sunday it has declared this year the first year of ESG management and will step up efforts to build and execute a sustainability framework aligned with global standards. The company said it has been building an organization-wide ESG system to respond proactively to major regulatory and disclosure changes, including the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, as well as discussions on introducing domestic sustainability disclosure standards. Alteogen said it has created an ESG committee and a working-level consultative body, and formed a dedicated organization that includes specialists in policy, verification and environmental fields. It said it is establishing execution foundations across ESG areas, including a carbon-neutral roadmap based on science-based targets, response systems for CDP and EcoVadis, ISO-based environmental and occupational safety and health systems, and reporting frameworks based on GRI and ISSB standards. On the environmental front, Alteogen said it launched the “Alteogen Blue Action” campaign focused on biodiversity conservation. It said it plans to expand ecosystem conservation activities tied to local communities, employee participation programs, and efforts on resource circulation and carbon reduction in stages. In governance, Alteogen said it completed structural changes. It said it finalized the establishment of an audit committee at its regular shareholders meeting on March 31 and expanded the share of outside directors on its board to more than half. CHA Hospital to support infertility treatment for LG CNS employees CHA Hospital said Sunday it signed a memorandum of understanding with LG CNS at the infertility center of Magok CHA Hospital to cooperate on addressing South Korea’s low birthrate. Attendees included Han Se-yeol, head of the infertility center at Magok CHA Hospital; Yeo Un-pyo, administrative office director; Ko Young-mok, an executive director and chief human resources officer at LG CNS; and Kim Tae-sang, who is in charge of the smart city business, the hospital said. Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in areas including infertility treatment, fertility testing such as anti-Mullerian hormone level checks, and support for egg freezing, CHA Hospital said. The hospital said it plans to improve access to infertility treatment for LG CNS employees as part of efforts to address the low birthrate. CHA Hospital quoted Han as saying the group is working with domestic and overseas institutions to expand opportunities for infertility treatment and contribute to addressing the low birthrate. He said he hopes LG CNS employees can receive treatment more comfortably in an optimal environment, citing the facility’s accessibility in Magok.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 16:54:06
  • SK Biopharm, Lotte Biologics, LG Chem, AriBio and GI Innovation Announce New Deals and Updates
    SK Biopharm, Lotte Biologics, LG Chem, AriBio and GI Innovation Announce New Deals and Updates SK Biopharm signs pact with Seoul BioHub to mentor drug-development startups SK Biopharm said Thursday it selected two promising central nervous system startups through an open-innovation program with Seoul BioHub and held a signing ceremony. The program is designed to strengthen the R&D capabilities of Korean startups by sharing SK Biopharm’s experience across the full cycle of global new-drug development. The company said it is the first concrete outcome of an agreement the two sides signed in November. The selected companies are Novorex and ThreeBrooks Therapeutics, which are developing treatments for degenerative brain diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, SK Biopharm said. Over the next year, the startups will receive support from SK Biopharm researchers on proof-of-concept work, clinical-entry strategy and responses to global regulatory requirements, among other steps in drug development. The partners also plan to open a collaboration center inside Seoul BioHub to deepen day-to-day cooperation and to look for additional startups for potential partnerships. SK Biopharm said it will expand support so domestic biotech startups can build competitiveness that meets global standards, drawing on experience gained developing the epilepsy drug cenobamate, sold in the U.S. as Xcopri. Lotte Biologics, Yeonsu District hold tree-planting and wildfire-prevention campaign Lotte Biologics said Thursday it held a joint campaign with Incheon’s Yeonsu District Office ahead of Tree-Planting Day on April 5, planting 250 trees and promoting spring wildfire prevention to address the climate crisis and help preserve local ecosystems. The company said about 400 people participated, including district officials, residents and its employee volunteer group, LB:Heart, as part of its ESG vision to build a “sustainable bio ecosystem.” Participants planted about 250 cherry trees around a neighborhood park in the Yeonsu Advanced Industrial Cluster. They also promoted wildfire-prevention awareness among residents and carried out a cleanup around the park, the company said. A Lotte Biologics official said the company will continue environmentally friendly activities to respond to climate change, expand community-focused social contributions and work to foster a healthy industrial ecosystem where talented domestic bio workers can thrive. LG Chem signs exclusive deal to sell Mochida’s endometriosis drug Dinagest in Korea, Thailand LG Chem said Thursday it signed an exclusive sales agreement with Japan’s Mochida Pharmaceutical for Dinagest, an endometriosis treatment, covering South Korea and Thailand. Dinagest is an oral progestin containing dienogest and is widely used as a key drug for hormone-dependent women’s diseases, including endometriosis, the company said. LG Chem said Dinagest is the only product in Japan’s market for the same ingredient to have shown treatment benefits in clinical trials not only for endometriosis but also for adenomyosis and dysmenorrhea. It currently holds more than 80% market share in Japan, the company said. Based on the collaboration, LG Chem said it plans to apply next year for domestic sales approval and aims to improve access to treatment for women’s diseases by expanding the drug’s use. “This introduction of Dinagest is an important starting point for expanding our existing infertility business into a women’s health business,” said Kim Seong-ho, head of LG Chem’s Specialty-Care business division. He said the company will continue to identify and develop products that provide practical help for women’s health management across life stages. AriBio names Seong Su-hyeon as co-CEO AriBio said Wednesday it appointed Vice Chairman Seong Su-hyeon as its new co-CEO. The company said CEO Jeong Jae-jun will continue to oversee R&D, global clinical trials and commercialization, and completion of new-drug development and scientific results, while Seong will lead overall management, business strategy and fundraising. The company is approaching key milestones, including the end of global Phase 3 trials for its oral dementia treatment candidate AR1001 and the release of topline results, AriBio said. The company said the co-leadership structure will help create a more stable and stronger foundation for growth by closely linking research and management. Seong is a co-founder of AriBio. He served as CEO from 2010 to 2019 and later, as vice chairman, led fundraising and the buildout of research infrastructure, the company said. AriBio said he also led development of the dementia electroceutical “Herzion” based on research data on degenerative brain diseases including AR1001, and played a key role in launching business lines such as the hair-loss solution “Teloact,” functional cosmetics and health supplements. “I will do my best until the final moment to deliver the world’s first oral dementia treatment,” Seong said. GI Innovation to present Phase 1 data on immuno-oncology drug at ASCO GI Innovation said Thursday it will present Phase 1 data for its investigational immuno-oncology drug at an international conference. The company said Phase 1 data for GI-101A was selected for a rapid oral abstract presentation at ASCO 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. ASCO is a major forum for sharing the latest clinical data in oncology, where new drugs are assessed based on real patient data. The meeting will be held in Chicago from May 29 to June 3, local time, the company said. GI Innovation said it plans to present the Phase 1 results for GI-101A. “The selection of GI-101A for an oral presentation at ASCO reflects recognition of its clinical potential and academic value at a prestigious conference,” CEO Jang Myeong-ho said. He said the presentation will clearly lay out the clinical significance of GI-101A and its strategic value as a combination therapy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-03 15:33:00
  • U.S. sets 15% tariff on Korean drugs, keeps biosimilars duty-free
    U.S. sets 15% tariff on Korean drugs, keeps biosimilars duty-free The Donald Trump administration has decided to impose a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals not produced in the United States, while applying a separate 15% rate to South Korea. Biosimilars, a key Korean export, will remain duty-free. South Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry said the decision eases uncertainty, but warned that companies still need global strategies as supply chains shift. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on April 2 (local time) imposing a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals not made in the United States. However, South Korea, Japan and Europe — which have separate trade agreements with the United States — will face a 15% rate, while the United Kingdom will be subject to 10%. Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of drug tariffs since early this year, pressuring the industry. In August last year, he said rates could rise as high as 250%. Two months later, in October, he cited a 100% tariff, fueling uncertainty. The latest decision is seen in the industry as removing that tariff risk. Companies said generics and biosimilars were excluded from the tariff, and that Korean pharmaceuticals will receive treatment close to most-favored-nation status, giving them an edge over products from countries facing the full 100% rate. The Bioeconomy Research Center at the Korea Bio Association said the measure will impose a 15% tariff on Korean patented drugs that previously entered the U.S. duty-free, but the impact should be limited because biosimilars — a major export — will remain duty-free for at least one year. It added that contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) volumes produced in South Korea at the request of U.S. clients may be recognized as U.S.-made and potentially qualify for duty-free treatment, though final confirmation from the U.S. government is needed. Over the medium to long term, it said, diversification will be essential, including reshaping production and supply chains in the United States and expanding into non-U.S. markets. The U.S. government’s plan to reassess in one year the exclusions for generics, biosimilars and related raw materials could remain a burden, the industry said. A biotech industry official said companies were relieved after Trump’s tariff threats continued from last year, but added that firms must prepare thoroughly for the review in a year and pursue diversification as global supply chains are reorganized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-03 15:06:00