Journalist

Park Bo-ram
  • Korean Biotech CDMOs Expand From Manufacturing to Integrated Services
    Korean Biotech CDMOs Expand From Manufacturing to Integrated Services Korean biotech companies are tightening their grip on the contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) market, reinforcing South Korea’s standing as an Asian bio hub. As global drugmakers expand outsourcing, Korean firms are moving beyond basic production into higher-value work that includes process development and regulatory support. BioPlan, a biopharmaceutical market research firm, said on the 7th that Samsung Biologics’ Songdo Bio Campus in Incheon was selected as the world’s largest single facility by production capacity. It held the No. 1 spot again after a 2022 survey, a result seen as validating the company’s “super-gap” strategy. Celltrion also gained ground. Operating Plants 1, 2 and 3 in Incheon, Celltrion ranked seventh in the survey, joining the global top 10. China’s CL Biologics’ Shenzhen facility ranked second, and a Genentech facility in the United States acquired by Switzerland’s Lonza in 2024 ranked third. In revenue, Korean companies are also closing in on global leaders. Jefferies said Samsung Biologics ranked fourth in global CDMO sales in 2024, posting $3.27 billion (about 4.9458 trillion won), behind Lonza, Thermo Fisher and Catalent. The report cited surging demand as CDMOs shift from small-molecule drugs toward more complex products such as cell and gene therapies. The shift is reflected in business models. Samsung Biologics is expanding modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates, while extending into contract research through “Samsung Organoid,” building an integrated service system that spans research and development. It has also strengthened its production base. After securing 17 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies as clients, it completed the acquisition of a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland, on March 31 local time. With a 60,000-liter drug substance plant capable of supporting clinical through commercial production, its total capacity expanded to 845,000 liters. Celltrion is also upgrading its structure on the back of growing orders. After signing a contract manufacturing (CMO) deal worth about 678.7 billion won with Eli Lilly early this year, it added further contracts, pushing its cumulative CMO order backlog past 1 trillion won within the first quarter. The company is also shifting weight toward higher-value services. It is pursuing a CMO strategy aimed at boosting clients’ competitiveness through formulation changes, seeking differentiation with its own subcutaneous (SC) formulation conversion technology. A key example is its “formulation-change CMO” business, applying know-how built through products such as Remsima SC and Herzuma SC to external clients. Celltrion is accelerating its overseas footprint as well. It recently completed the relocation of a biopharmaceutical production facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, and set its expansion scale at 75,000 liters. That would raise its drug substance capacity from 316,000 liters to 571,000 liters. The company aims to secure CMO revenue through local production while broadening into CDMO and cutting costs to expand supply to the U.S. market. Lotte Biologics said it signed a CDMO contract on the 1st with a U.S. oncology-focused biotech company to produce antibody drug substance and develop processes. It plans to produce late-stage clinical samples and optimize processes at its Syracuse, New York, campus, while linking with its Songdo campus to strengthen integrated CDMO capabilities. As companies broaden their scope, the basis of competition is changing. A production-only model is showing limits, and integrated capabilities that include clinical support and regulatory approvals are emerging as a key factor. Jung Yoon-taek, head of the Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy Research Institute, said, “The market is being reshaped from CMO to CDMO and to CRDMO,” referring to contract research, development and manufacturing organizations. “Competition is shifting toward companies that can provide customized, integrated services,” he said. The trend is also feeding into expanded investment by global drugmakers in South Korea. Roche signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health and Welfare last month on strengthening global competitiveness in the biohealth industry and agreed to pursue $500 million (about 750 billion won) in investment over five years. Eli Lilly also announced a plan this year to invest a total of $500 million over five years. Even as South Korea emerges as a new hub, companies still face the task of proving both capacity and technology. Lee Seung-gyu, vice chairman of the Korea Bio Association, said the CDMO market requires not only scale but also quality control, skilled operating staff and the ability to respond to regulatory approvals to win sustained orders. “The key is building global competitiveness that matches market demand,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-07 18:33:00
  • Samchundang Pharm CEO says results will address doubts after $100 million U.S. deal
    Samchundang Pharm CEO says results will address doubts after $100 million U.S. deal "We will prove it through management and results." Jeon In-seok, CEO of Samchundang Pharm, said at a news briefing Monday at the company’s Seoul headquarters that he would restore trust by delivering business results amid controversy over a recent technology export agreement. The company disclosed March 30 that it had signed a $100 million (about 1.5 trillion won) technology export deal with a U.S. partner for an oral diabetes and obesity treatment. Market doubts spread over the profit-sharing structure and contract terms, and the controversy intensified after Jeon’s plan to sell a 2.5 trillion won stake in a block deal became public. Samchundang Pharm said it scrapped the block deal plan Monday morning and pushed back against suspicions. Jeon said, "We decided to eliminate the block deal itself, which became the basis for the rumors," adding, "I judged that protecting the company’s value and shareholder trust comes before my personal tax issues." Attention has shifted to whether the company’s technology and business case can be verified. At the briefing, the company focused on its platform technology, S-PASS, which it says converts injectable drugs into oral formulations. Samchundang Pharm said the technology delivers efficacy equivalent to the original product while avoiding existing formulation patents. Jeon said, "Malicious rumors about S-PASS are not true," adding that materials submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration include the drug mechanism, stability data and the applied technology. "You cannot proceed through regulatory procedures with false technology or data," he said. The company said it uses an S-PASS-based substance (SNAC Free) to avoid formulation patents without existing excipients and to improve cost competitiveness. It said the biopolymer used instead of SNAC costs about one-tenth as much, and that it has secured competitiveness at what it called a global low of about $20 per gram.The company said it is developing oral semaglutide (Rybelsus and Wegovy oral generics) based on the technology and has signed an exclusive supply agreement with its U.S. partner. Addressing the structure under which it receives 90% of sales revenue, Jeon said it is possible because Samchundang Pharm develops and produces products with its own technology and supplies them to global markets. He described it not as a technology transfer deal but as a revenue-sharing supply agreement in which the partner sells the product and pays sales proceeds over 10 to 15 years. On milestones, he said the core of the contract is not one-time milestone payments but revenue generated from long-term product supply. Responding to criticism of its R&D capabilities, Jeon said the company has used a "strategically distributed innovation" structure from the start, with each team focused only on its project to minimize information leaks. Jeon apologized, saying communication with shareholders had been insufficient, and said the company would rebuild trust by proving global results in the second half of the year with numbers and outcomes. According to the Korea Exchange, Samchundang Pharm shares surged intraday to as high as 706,000 won but gave up gains to close down 4.63% at 618,000 won from the previous session. The stock has jumped 400% this year, overtaking EcoPro to rank No. 1 by market capitalization on the KOSDAQ and earning the nickname "imperial stock" for trading above 1 million won, but a recent sharp decline has jolted the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 18:15:00
  • JW Pharmaceutical: Hemlibra Study Shows Lower Bleeding Risk in Children With Hemophilia A
    JW Pharmaceutical: Hemlibra Study Shows Lower Bleeding Risk in Children With Hemophilia A JW Pharmaceutical said on 6 that a study published in the international journal TH Open found children and adolescents with hemophilia A who received Hemlibra (emicizumab) maintained a low risk of bleeding even while taking part in a range of physical activities. Hemlibra is a novel drug designed to mimic the function of clotting factor VIII, which is lacking in people with hemophilia. The company said it is the only hemophilia A treatment that can be used in both patients who have developed antibodies that make standard factor VIII products ineffective and those who have not. It is given by subcutaneous injection, with preventive effects lasting up to once every four weeks. The study was conducted at 50 medical institutions in Japan over about 97 weeks. Researchers analyzed physical activity, bleeding, safety and changes in quality of life after patients switched to Hemlibra prophylaxis. Before Hemlibra, patients experienced an average of 1.5 to 2.0 bleeding episodes over the most recent 12 or 24 weeks. After switching treatment, the median annualized bleeding rate was 0.53. During the study, researchers recorded 172 physical activities: 44 high-risk, 70 moderate-risk and 42 low-risk. One traumatic bleed related to physical activity was reported, and no significant link was found between activity intensity and bleeding. Quality-of-life measures also improved. In caregiver surveys, 43.8% reported their child was more active, and 56.3% reported less anxiety about bleeding. On safety, no intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or thromboembolism — concerns in infants and toddlers — were reported.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 17:42:00
  • Samhchundang Pharm CEO Withdraws $1.9 Billion Share Block Sale Plan
    Samhchundang Pharm CEO Withdraws $1.9 Billion Share Block Sale Plan Samhchundang Pharm said Monday that CEO Jeon In-seok has withdrawn a 250 billion won ($1.9 billion) plan to sell shares in a block deal that was disclosed March 24. The company said the sale, originally intended to raise funds to pay taxes, had been misunderstood in the market and was weighing on the company’s value. Jeon said he decided to pull the deal amid growing distrust and concerns it could damage shareholder value. The planned sale was meant to cover taxes including gift tax, but some in the market raised suspicions that the size of a U.S. supply contract had been exaggerated. “There were no falsehoods in the contract details,” Jeon said, adding that he could not “leave the situation as it is” when negative allegations could harm shareholders. He said protecting the company’s underlying value took priority over meeting his personal financial obligations. Samhchundang Pharm said it will hold an afternoon news briefing to explain the withdrawal, allegations related to S-PASS and details of the U.S. contract. The company is said to be considering alternatives such as stock-backed loans instead of selling shares to pay the taxes. It said the approach is aimed at stabilizing the share price and reinforcing its commitment to responsible management. Samhchundang Pharm said it will proceed with its business plans without disruption, with key milestones ahead including additional global supply contracts in the second half of this year and clinical trials for oral insulin.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 09:42:52
  • Oral Obesity Drug Race Intensifies as Efficacy and Convenience Shape Choices
    Oral Obesity Drug Race Intensifies as Efficacy and Convenience Shape Choices Novo Nordisk’s move into oral obesity drugs is now being matched by Eli Lilly, widening competition in a market long dominated by injections. As pills gain ground, analysts expect patients and prescribers to weigh results against ease of use more sharply. Industry officials said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 1 approved Lilly’s oral glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, obesity drug Foundayo (active ingredient: orforglipron). The agency’s decision came 50 days after the application, an unusually fast timeline that industry watchers said underscores regulators’ priority on obesity treatments. Novo Nordisk entered first with an oral version marketed as “Wegovy pill.” Novo’s product requires dosing on an empty stomach and limits on water intake around the time of use, while Lilly says Foundayo can be taken without restrictions on food or timing. Lilly is promoting it as a GLP-1 tablet that can be taken at any time. Pricing is set at a similar level. Lilly priced Foundayo roughly in line with oral Wegovy: $25 a month for insured patients and $149 for those without insurance. That is far below the monthly cost of existing injectable drugs, which can run into the millions of won in Korea. Weekly injections remain the standard in obesity care, but oral drugs could spread quickly in early-stage treatment because they are easier to take, the industry said. The result, officials said, is likely a clearer split in choices based on effectiveness, convenience and lifestyle. On weight loss, injections still lead. Lilly’s injectable Zepbound showed average weight loss of 15 to 21 kilograms over 72 weeks, and about one-third of patients on the highest dose lost at least 26 kilograms. Lilly’s clinical data showed participants taking the highest dose of Foundayo lost an average of 12 kilograms over the same period. Because it is taken daily, results may vary, but the pill could broaden access among patients who are reluctant to use injections, the company and industry officials said. An industry official called the shift a turning point as obesity drugs move from “specialty therapies” toward “mass-market consumer products,” adding that oral drugs are clearly gaining momentum but choices will differ by effectiveness, convenience and lifestyle. Over time, the market is likely to split into two tracks, the official said. Lilly plans to begin shipping Foundayo on April 6 through its LillyDirect platform, aiming to secure early demand via U.S. retail pharmacies and telehealth providers. The company has submitted Foundayo approval applications in more than 40 countries, starting with the United States. Some countries that have been cautious about reimbursing obesity drugs because of high prices may revisit coverage as relatively cheaper oral options emerge, industry officials said. Another official said the market is expanding alongside growth in chronic-disease management, and that insurance and reimbursement talks are likely to accelerate. 2026-04-05 16:03:00
  • Korea Bio, Health Exports Top $4.16B in Q1 Despite War-Driven Uncertainty
    Korea Bio, Health Exports Top $4.16B in Q1 Despite War-Driven Uncertainty South Korea’s bio and health exports topped 6 trillion won in the first quarter, extending growth despite external uncertainty including war in the Middle East. The Korea Biopharmaceutical Association said Sunday that exports from January through March totaled $4.16 billion (about 6.3 trillion won). March exports rose 6.3% from a year earlier to $1.5 billion (about 2.3 trillion won). February increased 7.1% to $1.31 billion (about 2 trillion won), and January climbed 18.3% to $1.35 billion (about 2.035 trillion won). The association said biosimilars drove the gains, citing expanding demand in major markets including the United States and the European Union. It said exports have risen for five straight months. In the United States, about 90% (106) of biopharmaceuticals scheduled to lose patent protection from 2025 to 2034 have no biosimilar candidates in development, the association said, adding that Europe faces a similar situation. South Korean companies are expanding their presence on the back of those opportunities. Korea was named the country with the most U.S. Food and Drug Administration biosimilar approvals for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, the association said. Biosimilar exports rose 50% to $1.47 billion (about 2.2 trillion won) in 2022 from $980 million (about 1.4 trillion won) in 2021. The association forecast bio and health exports will rise 9% this year to $30.4 billion (about 46 trillion won), topping last year’s record $27.87 billion (about 42 trillion won).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-05 11:15:00
  • Policy Split Deepens Divide Between Korea’s Pharma and Biotech Sectors
    Policy Split Deepens Divide Between Korea’s Pharma and Biotech Sectors Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry is showing a sharper divide as government policy moves in opposite directions. While authorities are rolling out support measures to foster biotech, they have also decided to cut prices for generic drugs, leaving drugmakers bracing for tighter margins.  Industry officials said April 2 that Samsung Biologics and Celltrion, the country’s two biggest biotech companies, are each targeting more than 5 trillion won in sales this year.  Both companies have strengthened their positions in global contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and biosimilars. Samsung Biologics posted 4.557 trillion won in revenue and 2.0692 trillion won in operating profit last year, setting a domestic industry record, and set a 2026 revenue target of 5.32 trillion won.  Celltrion reported 4.1625 trillion won in revenue and 1.1685 trillion won in operating profit last year, and its 2026 sales outlook also tops 5 trillion won. At a recent shareholders meeting, Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin, who returned as chair for the first time in 11 years, presented sales guidance of 5.3 trillion won and pledged step-by-step operating profit of 300 billion won in the first quarter, 400 billion won in the second, 500 billion won in the third and 600 billion won in the fourth.  SK Biopharmaceuticals also posted its best-ever results, with revenue rising 29% from a year earlier to 706.7 billion won. Securities firms expect the company to reach 1 trillion won in annual sales in 2027.  Government backing is also seen as a tailwind for biotech growth. Authorities have said they will pursue licensing reforms aimed at enabling the world’s fastest product launch timeline of 240 days. Earlier this year, the approval period for new biotech drugs and biosimilars was cut to 295 days from 406 days, with a plan to reduce it further to 240 days. A Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official said the agency is expanding its review staff by about 200 to speed biosimilar approvals and will provide active support.  Late last year, the ministry enacted a special law to build a regulatory support framework for the CDMO industry. With a new registration system for export manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals — previously not covered under pharmaceutical regulations — the government plans to support measures including facility standards for export-focused plants, formalizing standards for good manufacturing practice certification and raw-material certification, and simplifying import customs procedures for active pharmaceutical ingredients.  In pharmaceuticals, HK inno.N exceeded 1 trillion won in revenue last year, expanding the number of companies in the “1 trillion won club” to 10. But companies centered on generics are widely seen as entering a fight for survival as price cuts take effect. The government lowered the generic pricing formula to 45% of the original drug price, a move expected to reduce sales and constrain research and development spending. The impact is expected to be significant for both top-tier and smaller drugmakers.  Changes are already being felt in the field. Analysts said companies that have relied on contract sales organizations (CSOs) are likely to face broad shifts in sales strategies. As firms move to cut fixed costs such as labor and marketing, more are expected to drop low-profit, low-priced generics and focus on higher-margin products.  “Developing new drugs is difficult to deliver results in the short term, and it requires large-scale investment,” an industry official said. “Because options to recover costs are limited if it fails, companies have no choice but to start by adjusting expenses they can cut immediately.” As a result, more firms are moving toward conservative management, including scaling back facility investment and revising hiring plans, while also preparing to seek certification as innovative pharmaceutical companies.  A task force for reforming the drug pricing system for industrial development criticized the price cuts, saying, “With the business environment worsening due to rising global instability, drug price cuts carried out now could make it difficult for domestic pharmaceutical companies to survive.” It urged the government to adopt flexible policies that “comprehensively consider public health, insurance finances and industrial competitiveness” so the industry ecosystem is not damaged. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 18:15:00
  • Korean Pharma-Bio Briefing: Kolon Life Science, Daewoong, Celltrion, Daewon, Samsung Medical Center
    Korean Pharma-Bio Briefing: Kolon Life Science, Daewoong, Celltrion, Daewon, Samsung Medical Center Kolon Life Science secures additional Asia patents for TG-C mixed-cell gene therapy Kolon Life Science said Thursday that patents covering the “mixed-cell gene therapy” approach used in TG-C, an osteoarthritis gene therapy being developed by affiliate Kolon TissueGene, have recently been approved for registration in several Asian markets. The patents cover a technique that combines cells engineered to produce growth factors (TGF-β or BMP) with cells designed to respond to those signals to deliver therapeutic effects. TG-C is administered by mixing two components — a cartilage-cell solution and a genetically modified cell solution — and the company said the approvals provide legal protection for that mixed-administration method. Kolon Life Science said it has been expanding the patent’s scope in Asia. It previously secured the patent in Indonesia in February, followed by registration decisions in the Philippines and Malaysia last month. TG-C is in the final stage of a Phase 3 U.S. clinical trial for knee osteoarthritis. Kolon TissueGene, which is running the U.S. study, aims to release topline results in July 2026 after completing two years of follow-up and analyzing the data. Based on those results, it plans to submit a biologics license application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first quarter of 2027. Daewoong says osteoporosis drug Stoboclo tops 11.8 billion won in first-year sales Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Thursday that Stoboclo, an osteoporosis treatment it co-markets with Celltrion Pharm, posted cumulative first-year sales of 11.8 billion won. Stoboclo is South Korea’s first biosimilar to Prolia, a global blockbuster osteoporosis drug, and was launched in March last year. According to market research firm IQVIA, Stoboclo reached about 11.8 billion won in cumulative sales through the fourth quarter, moving into the domestic “blockbuster” category of more than 10 billion won in annual sales. South Korea’s osteoporosis drug market is estimated at about 3.6 trillion won as of last year. Within that, the denosumab segment totals about 1.6 trillion won, or 45% of the overall market. Daewoong said Stoboclo’s share of the denosumab market grew to about 14% in the fourth quarter, and stood at about 7% on a full-year cumulative basis. Daewoong said it plans to expand prescribing across major general and university hospitals, with the goal of building Stoboclo into a “mega blockbuster” with annual sales exceeding 100 billion won. Celltrion says post-hoc Phase 3 analysis of Zymfentra published in IBD journal Celltrion said Thursday that a paper reporting post-hoc results from a global Phase 3 trial of Zymfentra — the only subcutaneous formulation of infliximab — was published in the latest issue of the international journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Zymfentra is the U.S. brand name for Remsima SC. The journal is the official publication of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, a large U.S. nonprofit supporting patients and research, Celltrion said, adding that the journal ranks in the top 20% of its field by impact factor. The analysis covered 102 weeks of data from the Phase 3 program and evaluated patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis who lost response while on maintenance therapy of Zymfentra 120 mg every two weeks. Researchers assessed clinical effectiveness after increasing the dose to 240 mg. Celltrion said more than 80% of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis regained response after the dose increase. Most showed recovery within eight weeks, and early responders also posted favorable results across several measures used to assess long-term effectiveness. Daewon Pharmaceutical to hold Naver launch event for Chondroitin King 1200 Daewon Pharmaceutical’s health supplement brand Daewon Health said Thursday it will hold a “Chondroitin King 1200 Launch Festa” to mark the release of its new product, Chondroitin King 1200. The online event will be held exclusively on Naver and is designed as the product’s first consumer showcase. The supplement’s main ingredient is chondroitin sulfate, which the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has recognized as able to help support joint and cartilage health, the company said. Daewon said the ingredient is an individually approved material whose functionality and safety were verified through a separate review, and that it is the first and only chondroitin health supplement from a domestic pharmaceutical company to use such an individually approved ingredient. Daewon said it used carefully selected material with more than 90% purity and the same structure as chondroitin found in human cartilage. It said the product is designed for once-daily use, with two tablets providing 1,200 mg of the main ingredient. Samsung Medical Center opens senior lounge service desk for patients 65 and older Samsung Medical Center said Thursday it began operating an “SMC Senior Lounge” starting April 1. The hospital said it has set up a dedicated service counter on the first floor of its main building for customers ages 65 and older, providing assistance with services needed to use the hospital. The hospital said the lounge is expected to reflect seniors’ needs and help drive broader changes across the hospital. When necessary, staff will call caregivers, such as adult children, to confirm that senior customers are not experiencing difficulties during visits. To address common challenges seniors face using digital services such as the hospital app, the hospital said it has assigned staff to help and will also provide guidance on booking transportation and checking insurance-claim documents. It said it is also reviewing the introduction of an autonomous electric wheelchair service using “Age Tech” for customers with limited mobility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 17:46:40
  • Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Hwang Sang-yeon makes first official visits to plants, R&D center
    Hanmi Pharmaceutical CEO Hwang Sang-yeon makes first official visits to plants, R&D center Hanmi Pharmaceutical said Thursday that its new CEO, Hwang Sang-yeon, carried out his first official schedule by visiting the company’s production plants in Paltan and Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and its research and development center in Dongtan. Hwang on Tuesday visited the Paltan Smart Plant, the Pyeongtaek Bio Plant and the Dongtan R&D Center in sequence, inspecting production lines and listening to employees at research sites. He arrived at the Paltan site at about 7:30 a.m., greeting employees as they came to work. He then checked the information and communications technology-based drug manufacturing process and the radio-frequency identification logistics and delivery system. At the Pyeongtaek Bio Plant, he toured manufacturing facilities with capacity of up to 12,500 liters and a production line that makes more than 24 million prefilled syringes a year. At the Dongtan R&D Center, he held a meeting with researchers. Hanmi said Hwang also attended an event on the evening of March 31, his first day in office, for outstanding employees from Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical. After completing his first official schedule, Hwang emphasized to employees his commitment to continuing R&D and quality management based on the late founder and former chairman Lim Seong-gi’s management principles of “respect for humanity” and “value creation.” “As CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, I will focus on management grounded in law and common sense, and I will do my utmost to ensure we can establish our standing as a global Hanmi,” Hwang said. He pledged “open management centered on the workplace and employees,” and “organic, active discussions among the group’s holding company and affiliates” to pursue advanced management practices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 15:52:09
  • Korean Pharma and Biotech Briefs: Dongkook, Dong-A, HK inno.N, Daewoong, Huons
    Korean Pharma and Biotech Briefs: Dongkook, Dong-A, HK inno.N, Daewoong, Huons Dongkook Pharmaceutical marks 10th year of ‘Love Scaling’ volunteer dental program Dongkook Pharmaceutical said Wednesday it held a “Love Scaling” volunteer event with the Korean Academy of Periodontology on March 27 at Hanyang Women’s University. The program is a joint talent-donation initiative by the academy, the university and Dongkook Pharmaceutical. It provides oral checkups, scaling and other dental services to people who have difficulty visiting a dentist. A separate ceremony was held to mark the program’s 10th event. Rep. Jeon Hyeon-hui of the Democratic Party, whose constituency includes the area where the university is located, was appointed this year’s “Love Scaling” ambassador. At the ceremony, the Korean Academy of Periodontology presented recent research on periodontal disease at Seongbundo Welfare Center and proposed institutional adoption of panoramic imaging during health screenings for people with disabilities so all teeth can be checked at once. Dongkook Pharmaceutical presented on the ESG value of the volunteer program. Dong-A Pharmaceutical’s Fation launches after-sun gel lotion Dong-A Pharmaceutical said Wednesday its derma-cosmetics brand Fation has launched an “After Sun Gel Lotion” designed to care for sunburned skin after UV exposure. The product is intended to soothe irritated skin and provide moisture while addressing five sunburn-related symptoms: heat, irritation, dryness, flaking and hyperpigmentation, the company said. Combining features of gel and lotion, it can be used on the face and body in settings such as outdoor sports, camping and travel, it said. Dong-A said human application testing confirmed it helps lower skin temperature and calm the skin, and may help improve UV-related moisture loss, flaking and hyperpigmentation. The product contains 58% of the company’s proprietary ingredient, Azulene Repair™. Fation said it plans to expand into after-sun care, beyond a market centered on sunscreen products. HK inno.N holds 42nd anniversary ceremony and Compliance Day event HK inno.N said Wednesday it held a ceremony for its 42nd anniversary and an event marking “Compliance Day” on March 31 at HK inno.N Square. The event, attended by CEO Kwak Dal-won, executives and employees, reviewed the company’s 42-year history and aimed to strengthen communication. It was held both in person and online, the company said. Participants watched a commemorative video in which long-serving employees and new hires exchanged questions to promote intergenerational understanding. The company also presented long-service awards to five employee representatives, it said. After the ceremony, HK inno.N held its 11th Compliance Day event. Kwak and Executive Director Kim Ki-ho, who serve as co-compliance officers, joined employees in signing an anti-corruption and compliance pledge, the company said. Daewoong Pharmaceutical to launch low-dose combination drug for dyslipidemia Daewoong Pharmaceutical said it will launch Baroejet tablets (pitavastatin 1 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg) on April 1 as a treatment for dyslipidemia. The new low-dose combination is indicated for primary hypercholesterolemia, the company said. The company said statins are known to show diminishing gains in efficacy at higher doses, while concerns about side effects such as muscle pain increase. It said that when a statin dose is doubled, LDL cholesterol reduction increases by about 6%, while adding ezetimibe can be expected to provide an additional reduction of at least about 18%. Daewoong said demand for low-dose statin combination therapies is rising as treatment strategies change. It cited domestic prescription growth last year of 37% for low-dose combinations based on rosuvastatin and 157% for those based on atorvastatin. Baroejet was developed to address unmet needs, the company said, adding it offers a new 1/10 mg low-dose option among pitavastatin-based combinations and expands treatment choices. Daewoong said the product may also be useful for patients taking multiple medications because pitavastatin has low dependence on CYP enzymes, which could reduce the burden of drug interactions. Huons Group donates 100 million won to Choi Jae-hyung memorial foundation Huons Group said Wednesday it delivered a total of 100 million won in donations on March 31 to the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit honoring the independence activist. The company said the funds will be used to highlight Choi’s achievements, expand education and commemorative projects, and support Koryo-saram and younger generations of ethnic Koreans. Choi, described as an entrepreneur and educator, led the Korean community in Russia’s Primorsky Krai. The company said he devoted himself to Korea’s independence by raising funds for the independence movement and supporting Ahn Jung-geun’s actions, and that he died after being arrested by Japanese forces in 1920. The foundation continues fundraising at home and abroad for historical recognition efforts and support programs for Koreans, it said. Huons Group Chairman Yoon Sung-tae attended the foundation’s supporters’ association launch ceremony on March 26 as a leading business figure and expressed support for fundraising and sponsorship, the company said. It said the association is co-chaired by Park Jong-beom, chairman of the World-OKTA, and Jung Seok-hyun, chairman of Susan Group, with Kim Hyung-oh, a former National Assembly speaker, serving as an adviser, among others.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 19:30:00