Journalist

Park boram
  • Open Innovation Becomes Key Model Behind South Korea’s Homegrown Drug Development
    Open Innovation Becomes Key Model Behind South Korea’s Homegrown Drug Development Open innovation is taking hold as a strategy to improve the efficiency of new drug development, as companies seek to share risk and speed commercialization in an industry that requires heavy spending and long timelines. Industry officials said March 19 that partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms are expanding. Drugmakers can reduce research burdens by bringing in outside technology, while biotech startups gain funding and clinical development support. A leading example is Yuhan Corp.’s lung cancer drug Lekraza. The non-small cell lung cancer targeted therapy was developed by Oscotec and licensed to Yuhan in 2015 at the preclinical stage. Yuhan later licensed it out to global drugmaker Janssen for up to 1.4 trillion won while Phase 1 trials were underway. Under the deal, Janssen holds development and commercialization rights, while Yuhan retains rights in South Korea. Of Yuhan’s 33 pipeline programs, 17 are sourced externally. Jung Yoon-taek, head of the Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy Institute, said a model in which biotech ventures develop early technology, traditional drugmakers raise its value through clinical trials, and then transfer it to global companies is efficient in terms of specialization and division of labor. Open innovation is also extending beyond licensing into investment. Traditional drugmakers are joining promising biotechs as strategic investors, taking early stakes in growth potential. DongKoo Bio & Pharma recently bought 1 billion won of a 27 billion won convertible bond issued by Genome & Company. Since 2020, it has invested about 3.5 billion won in Genome & Company through equity purchases and additional buying. DongKoo Bio & Pharma is strong in manufacturing and sales of dermatology and urology prescription drugs, but antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, are considered technically demanding and high-risk. The investment is seen as a move to deepen its partnership by supporting Genome & Company’s ADC-focused drug development. Co-development is also being used to improve the odds of success. Canarpta Therapeutics, an ADC design specialist, has bispecific ADC technology that targets two markers at the same time. GC 녹십자 invested a total of 7 billion won in Canarpta Therapeutics in two rounds in 2020 and 2023, and the companies are jointly developing the bispecific ADC KNP-701. Lotte Biologics also joined the effort, investing 1.2 billion won in 2023 to participate in co-developing an ADC platform. Handok is also pursuing open innovation, jointly developing the bile duct cancer treatment tovesimig with ABL Bio and Compass Therapeutics. It aims to launch the drug in South Korea in 2027 as its own new medicine. Bile duct cancer is a rare cancer with few treatment options, and Handok is seeking to shift from a business centered on in-licensed products to one that holds its own new drugs. Handok signed a licensing agreement with ABL Bio, the original developer of tovesimig, securing rights in South Korea. An industry official said domestic companies have limited research and development resources compared with global drugmakers, making collaboration around technologies with higher chances of success a practical choice. With the domestic market saturated, the official added, open innovation is not merely optional but a way to survive by operating efficiently with less capital.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 15:51:00
  • CDMO Market Heats Up as Drugmakers Compete on Development Know-How, Not Just Capacity
    CDMO Market Heats Up as Drugmakers Compete on Development Know-How, Not Just Capacity Contract development and manufacturing organizations, or CDMOs, are expanding rapidly beyond contract manufacturing into research and development, but industry officials say adding facilities alone is unlikely to secure an edge. They note that competition for orders is shifting from simple production pricing to development capabilities, and that as the market grows, specialization is increasingly determining winners and losers. Industry officials said March 18 that CDMOs provide a high-barrier service model, handling biopharmaceutical R&D, clinical production and commercial manufacturing for clients that lack sufficient production capacity. The business requires advanced process technology, skilled workers and the ability to meet strict regulatory requirements. Lee Seung-gyu, vice chairman of the Korea Bio Association, said companies must realistically assess whether they can endure the early years after building a CDMO plant. “After building a CDMO factory, you have to keep it going for three to five years,” Lee said. “CMO is about manufacturing capability, but CDMO also requires development capability. You need a clear strategy on what area to focus on.” The sector also tends to generate follow-on deals once a relationship is established, prompting analysis that CDMOs must move beyond simple outsourced production and become strategic partners across the full drug development process to survive. Jeong Yun-taek, head of the Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy Institute, urged companies to strengthen expertise in specific high value-added technologies rather than broad, general-purpose offerings. He said the ability to provide end-to-end services — from process development and analytical method development to clinical and commercial production — will be a key differentiator. Traditional drugmakers are also entering CDMO businesses by leaning on their strengths. Boryung, citing production and quality capabilities built in oncology drugs, signed a CDMO contract last year with Zuellig Pharma tied to supplying the cytotoxic anticancer drug Alimta (pemetrexed) to seven Southeast Asian countries. The company plans to begin supplying the product to seven countries, including the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia, starting in 2027. ST Pharm, an affiliate of the Dong-A Socio Group, is focusing on an oligonucleotide CDMO business, a key raw material for ribonucleic acid, or RNA, medicines. It completed construction of a “second oligo building” at its Banwol campus in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, as it seeks to expand global orders. Kyongbo Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Chong Kun Dang, is building an antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC, plant in Asan, South Chungcheong Province.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 17:54:53
  • Korean Pharma and Medtech Updates: New Chondroitin Supplement, China Dividend Win, AI Project, CGM Study, FDA Fast Track, KGMP Renewal
    Korean Pharma and Medtech Updates: New Chondroitin Supplement, China Dividend Win, AI Project, CGM Study, FDA Fast Track, KGMP Renewal Daewon Pharmaceutical launches “Chondroitin King 1200” with individually approved functional ingredient Daewon Pharmaceutical said March 18 that its health supplement brand Daewon Health has launched “Chondroitin King 1200,” a functional health food that may help support joint and cartilage health. The product’s main ingredient is chondroitin sulfate, which has been recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for joint and cartilage health functionality. The company said it is the first and only individually approved functional ingredient used in a chondroitin health supplement made by a domestic pharmaceutical company. Daewon said it selected an ingredient with more than 90% purity and the same structure as chondroitin found in human cartilage. Users can take two tablets once a day to supplement 1,200 milligrams of the main ingredient. The company said a human study also verified improvements in objective indicators related to joint health management. In a 90-day intake test involving 137 men and women ages 40 to 75, it said there were significant improvements in levels of inflammation-related factor TNF-α and inflammation-inducing factor COX-2. Ilyang Pharmaceutical wins final ruling in China undistributed profits dispute Ilyang Pharmaceutical said March 18 that its final victory in a dispute over undistributed profits with its Chinese joint venture, Tonghua Ilyang, was selected as a model case in an official work report by China’s top judicial body. The company said the Supreme People’s Court included the dividend-rights dispute in the “five major cases in China’s judicial field” released in its work report to the National People’s Congress. The court described the case as a representative judicial example showing “opening up to the outside world through equal protection,” and as “a model case for protecting the rights and interests of foreign investors and resolving international investment disputes.” Ilyang said the key point in the report was a ruling ordering Tonghua Ilyang to pay dividends of about 18 billion won in undistributed profits, allowing recovery of the full amount that had been tied up for more than three years. Mogam Institute joins government-led K-Moonshot AI research program Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research said March 18 that it was selected on March 11 as a partner institution for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s nationwide artificial intelligence research and innovation program, the “K-Moonshot” project, and signed a memorandum of understanding. K-Moonshot is a mission-driven program aimed at boosting productivity in science and technology research through AI and tackling key national missions. Participating organizations will cooperate to build an AI-based research innovation ecosystem by providing AI resources, conducting joint R&D and collaborating on data use. Mogam said it will participate as a partner in the “advanced bio and new drug development” area among 12 national missions. The institute said it plans to use its AI-based drug development capabilities to help improve productivity and research efficiency in the drug development process. Handok, Seoul Pharmacists Association sign MOU on CGM-based counseling model Handok and the Seoul Pharmacists Association said March 18 they signed an agreement the previous day at Handok’s headquarters in Yeoksam-dong to cooperate on research into pharmacist services and personal health management based on continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM. The partners said the goal is to build practical evidence that standardized education, counseling and behavior-coaching services can be provided systematically using CGM data. They also aim to develop guidance on standardized CGM use and diabetes education guidelines that can be applied in pharmacies. The study will be led by the Seoul Pharmacists Association and will involve 150 participants. Subjects will be divided into three groups based on whether they wear a CGM device and the level of pharmacist intervention: a non-wearing group; a wearing group without pharmacist intervention; and a wearing group that receives pharmacist counseling. The non-wearing group will receive basic medication guidance. The wearing group without pharmacist intervention will also receive training on how to use the device. The wearing group with pharmacist counseling will have regular counseling at least once a week. Researchers will analyze changes in blood glucose patterns and the overall effects of pharmacist counseling based on these differences. Ildong’s Idience cancer drug candidate Venadaparib gets FDA fast-track designation Idience, Ildong Pharmaceutical Group’s oncology drug development affiliate, said March 18 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted fast-track designation for its targeted anticancer drug candidate Venadaparib. Fast track is an FDA program intended to speed development and review of drugs for serious conditions when they may offer meaningful improvement over existing therapies or address unmet medical needs. With fast-track status, a developer can consult more closely with the FDA during development and may use expedited procedures such as rolling submissions and applying for priority review. Venadaparib is a next-generation PARP inhibitor designed to suppress cancer by selectively acting on PARP1, an enzyme involved in repairing DNA damage in cells. The company said the FDA designated it in 2022 as an orphan drug for gastric cancer. Osstem Implant’s K1 plant renews KGMP compliance certification Osstem Implant said March 18 that its K1 (Orange Tower) implant manufacturing plant was recertified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as compliant with Korea Good Manufacturing Practice, or KGMP, standards for medical device manufacturing and quality control. The company said K1 has built a strict quality management system across all processes to produce and supply high-quality products. It operates “management by six key processes” and a “five-step precision inspection system,” and is aiming for a defect rate of 100 parts per million, or no more than one defect per 10,000 units. Osstem said it runs a full inspection system from raw material receipt through shipment of finished products, while continuing investments to upgrade manufacturing conditions, including clean rooms, deionized water facilities and robotic processes. The company said it has built the same level of quality management at its nearby K2 plant. K2, which began full operations in the second half of 2023, has a total floor area of 13,699 square meters (about 4,144 pyeong) and an annual maximum capacity of 12 million implant sets. Osstem said K2 is scheduled to undergo a regular audit in April for KGMP compliance certification.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 17:03:22
  • SK Biopharm JV, Samjin Pharma, Hecto Group, Medytox and Gil Medical Center updates
    SK Biopharm JV, Samjin Pharma, Hecto Group, Medytox and Gil Medical Center updates SK Biopharm JV Mentis Care begins joint research with Emory School of Medicine on AI seizure detection and real-time prediction SK Biopharm said March 17 that its joint venture, Mentis Care, has started a joint study with Emory University School of Medicine to develop an artificial intelligence model to detect seizures and predict them in real time. The two-year project aims to build a general-purpose AI model that can be used across settings, from precision hospital equipment to wearable devices. The partners plan to develop a transformer-based EEG foundation model designed to perform consistently across different environments, from the standard clinical 10-20 EEG system to reduced-channel wearable EEG. The goal is to establish the technical basis for continuous epilepsy monitoring in everyday life. The work will focus on five areas: large-scale data curation and a standardized preprocessing pipeline; a high-performance seizure-detection foundation model; validation across patient groups and recording environments; adaptation to reduced-channel wearable EEG systems; and expansion of a real-time pre-seizure prediction module. SK Biopharm said the research is at an early stage, and any eventual product would require further development, clinical trials, and review and approval by relevant regulators. Samjin Pharmaceutical hires Lee Ye-jin as new head of marketing Samjin Pharmaceutical said March 17 it has hired Lee Ye-jin, a veteran with more than 20 years of experience across global drugmakers overseeing marketing, sales and market access, as its new head of marketing. Lee graduated from Chung-Ang University’s College of Pharmacy and held key roles at Janssen Korea, including medical representative and product manager, as well as market access work involving strategies for health insurance listing and appropriate drug pricing, the company said. Samjin said Lee also served as a Bayer headquarters-certified training manager, designing product education programs to strengthen the clinical expertise of sales staff and introducing and establishing patient-centered sales techniques in the Korean market. Hecto Group to hold employee blood drive as part of its Hecto& social contribution project Hecto Group said March 17 it will run a two-day blood donation campaign for employees from March 19 to 20 under its “Hecto&” initiative. The company described the program as an ESG effort to promote social value and a sustainable culture of giving, now in its ninth round. About 160 employees from key affiliates have signed up, including IT-based information services company Hecto Innovation, fintech firm Hecto Financial, data specialist Hecto Data and global healthcare company Hecto Healthcare, it said. Hecto Group said it will provide participants with Hecto Healthcare’s “O2 Booster Fresh” product and delivery gift certificates to encourage voluntary participation. Blood donation certificates collected through the campaign will be delivered to the Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the company said. Medytox says study finds strong heat stability for Innotox, the world’s first liquid botulinum toxin Medytox said March 17 that a comparative study supporting the heat stability of its non-animal, liquid botulinum toxin product Innotox was published in the international aesthetic surgery journal “Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.” The study compared Innotox with a powdered toxin product under conditions meant to resemble combination procedures using energy-based aesthetic devices such as high-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency. The products were exposed to 60 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. The powdered comparator uses human serum albumin as an excipient. Based on changes in potency measured by mouse median lethal dose (LD50), Innotox maintained nearly the same titer after heat exposure, Medytox said. Under the same conditions, the powdered toxin products showed potency declines of up to 51%, it said. The research team suggested polysorbate 20 and L-methionine in Innotox may contribute to resistance against protein denaturation and high-temperature heat exposure. Gachon University Gil Medical Center signs MOU with drug safety institute on medication safety research Gachon University Gil Medical Center said March 17 it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Institute of Drug Safety and Risk Management on March 16 to cooperate on medication safety research based on health care data. The hospital said the agreement follows its participation in a project to expand a common data model and is intended to build a cooperative framework and strengthen capabilities for drug safety analysis research. The signing ceremony was held in the Women’s Cancer Center conference room with hospital President Kim Woo-kyung and Research Vice President Seonwoo Woong-sang, along with institute President Son Soo-jung and Acting Headquarters Director Jeong Hyeon-ju, the hospital said. Under the agreement, the two sides plan to cooperate in areas including information exchange on the use and standardization of health care data, information sharing for analysis of drug safety information, and exchanges in education, research, technology and personnel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 17:03:00
  • South Korea to Inspect 2,100 Restaurants Near BTS Event Sites Ahead of Comeback
    South Korea to Inspect 2,100 Restaurants Near BTS Event Sites Ahead of Comeback South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said March 17 it will conduct advance hygiene inspections and food-poisoning prevention outreach at about 2,100 restaurants near BTS comeback event sites, including Gwanghwamun, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), through March 21. The ministry said the effort is aimed at raising sanitation standards ahead of an expected surge in visitors during the events and preventing consumer harm, including overcharging. Inspectors will focus on hygienic handling of food and kitchens, whether expired food is stored or used, and compliance with price-display rules, the ministry said. The ministry said it will also distribute sanitation supplies such as disinfectant and hygienic gloves to nearby restaurants and promote basic food-safety practices, including handwashing, to visitors. It said it plans to continue inspections around BTS concert venues in Goyang and Busan. The ministry said it will keep strengthening inspections of food and beverage facilities and education on preventing food poisoning to help ensure food-safety incidents do not occur at large gatherings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 14:27:00
  • Frequent Nosebleeds in Spring May Signal Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Not Stress
    Frequent Nosebleeds in Spring May Signal Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Not Stress "My child suddenly gets nosebleeds a lot." That is a common concern among parents who visit clinics in March. With the new school year starting, repeated nosebleeds can prompt worries that a child is struggling at school or keeping problems to themselves. But the most common cause this time of year is often not psychological stress. It is frequently seasonal allergic rhinitis, as the nasal lining dries out and becomes irritated. In many cases, the issue is physical rather than emotional. Spring can be a difficult season for people with rhinitis. Pollen begins to circulate, and irritants such as yellow dust and fine particulate pollution increase. Large day-to-night temperature swings and dry air can leave the nasal lining easily dried and sensitive. When the lining is inflamed, it can become thinner and itchier, with a stronger sensation of irritation. Children may rub or pick at their noses, and the weakened tissue can bleed with minor contact. Some wake to find blood on a pillow after touching their nose during sleep. This is especially common among preschoolers and younger elementary school students. Allergic rhinitis can be confused with a common cold because symptoms overlap. One early clue is fever. Repeated clear runny nose without fever, along with mucus dripping down the back of the throat, points more toward rhinitis. Fever and overall fatigue suggest a viral cold. Duration also matters. Colds typically improve in about a week, but rhinitis can last for months as long as the trigger remains in the environment. Complaints such as "It feels like my child has a cold all month" are often linked to rhinitis. Itching is another hallmark. Rhinitis often causes intense itching of the nose and eyes. If a child frequently rubs their eyes or repeatedly scrunches their nose, allergic rhinitis may be the cause. Cold-related nasal discharge tends to thicken over time, while allergic rhinitis more often keeps producing clear, watery discharge. More accurate diagnosis requires tests to distinguish conditions. Doctors may examine the inside of the nose with a nasal endoscope and use skin-prick or blood tests to check reactions to specific allergens. Allergic rhinitis is also associated with family history; if one parent has an allergic disease, the likelihood is higher. Rhinitis is not just a minor nuisance. Kim Seong-won, a professor of otolaryngology at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital of the Catholic University of Korea, said it is not life-threatening, but chronic cases can cause sleep problems and reduced concentration and may lead to sinusitis, making management important. He said it can affect a growing child’s learning and daily life. Experts say rhinitis should be managed rather than endured. Washing bedding in hot water of at least 60 degrees and maintaining appropriate indoor temperature and humidity can help. Reducing dust-collecting items such as carpets, fabric sofas, heavy curtains and stuffed animals is also recommended. Switching to leather furniture or using blinds instead of curtains can help lower dust mite levels. Daily care can also matter. Kim said prolonged dry weather can dry the nasal lining and worsen symptoms. He recommended using a humidifier to keep target humidity at 50% or higher and spraying saline in the nose every 30 minutes to an hour to keep the lining moist. Environmental changes alone may not fully prevent symptoms because pollen, fine dust and school conditions cannot be controlled. In those cases, medication is used alongside lifestyle measures. Antihistamines can reduce runny nose and sneezing, though they can also dry the nasal lining, so use is typically adjusted based on symptoms. Steroid nasal sprays are among recommended treatments. Many parents hesitate because of the word "steroid," but unlike oral steroids, these act locally on the nasal lining and are absorbed into the bloodstream only minimally. They can be used by children and older adults. However, they generally need to be used consistently for at least two weeks before anti-inflammatory effects appear. By contrast, decongestant sprays that quickly open a blocked nose should be limited. They temporarily work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal lining, but should be used only for up to five days. They may be appropriate for short-term use in urgent situations, such as when congestion prevents sleep or when a person must fly. For long-term treatment, immunotherapy is considered a fundamental approach for allergic rhinitis. Kim said sublingual immunotherapy, which does not require injections and is considered safe, can help reduce discomfort from allergic rhinitis and improve quality of life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 17:15:00
  • Celltrion, Daewoong, HLB and Hugel Highlight Biosimilars, Digital Health and Oncology Updates
    Celltrion, Daewoong, HLB and Hugel Highlight Biosimilars, Digital Health and Oncology Updates Celltrion expects biggest gains as global biosimilar rules ease Celltrion said March 13 that as global regulators roll out policies to ease requirements for biosimilar development, it will immediately apply the changes across its biosimilar pipeline to cut costs and shorten timelines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a fourth revision to its Q&A guidance on biosimilar development aimed at streamlining the process. The update recommends more efficient approaches to pharmacokinetic (PK) testing typically conducted in Phase 1, when scientific requirements are met. The revision also relaxes reference-product requirements. Previously, companies seeking entry into the U.S. market had to run direct PK comparative studies against a U.S.-licensed reference product. Under the updated approach, equivalence may be supported using clinical data comparing a reference product approved outside the United States. Celltrion said its immuno-oncology biosimilar programs face high reference-product costs and could reduce total clinical trial expenses by up to 25%. Daewoong Pharmaceutical wraps up “Digital Health Week 2026” Daewoong Pharmaceutical said March 13 it has concluded “Digital Health Week 2026,” which it described as the domestic pharmaceutical industry’s first intensive seminar week composed solely of digital health care products. The event ran March 3-6 as a series of live online seminars on the medical-professionals platform Dr.Ville. The program spotlighted eight Daewoong digital health care products, covering practical clinical-use cases, shifts in patient management, and strategies for more efficient hospital operations. The company said it held eight sessions in total, with two sessions each day at lunchtime and in the evening, featuring clinicians who prescribe and use the products. Daewoong said it plans to continue offering academic programs designed to provide operational insights for medical professionals. HLB Group to present cancer pipeline results from two affiliates at AACR 2026 HLB Group said March 13 it will present new research findings on key cancer pipeline programs at the AACR 2026 Annual Meeting, to be held April 17-22 in San Diego. AACR is one of the world’s three major cancer conferences, alongside the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society for Medical Oncology, bringing together researchers and pharmaceutical and biotech companies to share the latest findings. Verismo Therapeutics, a U.S. subsidiary of HLB Innovation, plans to present interim results from a U.S. Phase 1 trial of SynKIR-110, a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for solid tumors. HLB said the trial design and progress have been introduced at several global conferences, but this will be the first time clinical data are disclosed. Hugel joins Thailand’s largest dermatology meeting, citing expanded academic exchange Hugel said March 13 it participated in Thailand’s largest dermatology conference to promote its botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid (HA) filler products and strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia. The company attended the annual meeting of the Dermatological Society of Thailand, held March 11-13 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok, together with its local partner. Marking its 50th edition this year, the DST meeting is Thailand’s largest dermatology conference, drawing local medical experts and aesthetics industry participants to share research updates and procedure trends. During the meeting, Hugel promoted its botulinum toxin Botulax, exported in Thailand under the name Estox, along with its HA filler The Chaeum, exported as Revolax. The company also ran a separate academic program to share Revolax’s global clinical experience and procedural know-how.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-13 16:18:00
  • Samsung Biologics Labor Talks Break Down; Union to Seek Mediation
    Samsung Biologics Labor Talks Break Down; Union to Seek Mediation Samsung Biologics and its union failed to narrow differences in this year’s wage and collective bargaining talks. Industry officials said the Samsung Biologics Mutual Growth Labor Union announced Friday that negotiations with management had ended in a final breakdown. The two sides held 13 bargaining sessions from an initial meeting on Dec. 23 through Friday but did not reach agreement. The union said it has applied to the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission for mediation of the labor dispute. If mediation fails, the union is expected to move toward collective action, though no specific schedule has been set, officials said. The union also said it plans to submit complaints and criminal filings to the Labor Ministry next week over alleged violations of the collective agreement, violations of the Labor Standards Act and unpaid wages. A leak last year of personnel-related documents was raised as a key issue in the talks. The union is seeking action against those responsible and revisions to the collective agreement related to personal data protection. Wages and benefits were also cited as major points of contention.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-13 13:52:36
  • Korean Pharma-Bio Brief: Dongkook, Daewon, Magok CHA Hospital, Huons, Alteogen
    Korean Pharma-Bio Brief: Dongkook, Daewon, Magok CHA Hospital, Huons, Alteogen Dongkook Pharmaceutical offers spring tips for allergic rhinitis and fatigue Dongkook Pharmaceutical, citing increased outdoor activity in spring, on the 12th suggested ways to help prevent allergic rhinitis symptoms and support energy and recovery from fatigue. Co&Tech, an ointment-type nasal barrier product, is an avoidance-therapy product made with medical-grade white soft paraffin that has completed biocompatibility testing. It helps form a protective layer on the nasal mucosa to block the penetration of allergens inhaled through the respiratory tract. For people feeling run down by a busy routine, the company said the over-the-counter Argishot Solution can help replenish energy. Arginine is an amino acid involved in vasodilation and improved blood flow and may help relieve fatigue and boost vitality. SenseOn Active Up, a premium supplement containing magnesium and active vitamins, may help with muscle relaxation and recovery from physical fatigue. It contains more than 350 mg of magnesium, the recommended daily intake, and includes 138 mg of active vitamin B1 (benfotiamine), described as an optimal daily intake level to improve bioavailability. For those needing faster recovery during outdoor activities, the company said SenseOn Speed Double Action Solution, sold in stick packs, can be taken conveniently. Daewon Pharmaceutical launches Liposomal Albumin King Daewon Pharmaceutical said on the 12th it has expanded its high-content Albumin King brand with the launch of Liposomal Albumin King, designed to improve absorption in the body. The product applies the company’s “liposome formulation technology,” which wraps nutrients in phospholipids similar to human cell membranes. The company said the approach helps deliver nutrients more stably and can increase absorption compared with conventional formulations. As its main ingredient, the product uses a 100% albumin complex that underwent strict quality control, the company said. Liposomal Albumin King contains 33,000 mg of high-protein formulation per bottle (ampoule) and keeps the liquid ampoule format that has been popular, it added. Magok CHA Hospital fertility center certified to attract foreign patients Magok CHA Hospital’s fertility center said on the 12th it received the Health and Welfare Ministry’s certification as a “medical institution for attracting foreign patients.” The certification is granted to institutions that meet standards for international medical capability, patient safety and service quality. The center operates a dedicated treatment area for international patients, called Building B. It provides one-on-one consultations and assigns professional interpreters to support tailored care. The hospital said it has a system for consultations in multiple languages, including English and Chinese, as well as Mongolian, Japanese and Russian. Medical staff provide specialized consultations and individualized treatment plans, while a global communication team supports the process in a one-stop service, from scheduling to linking consultations and tests and providing protocol services. The hospital also cited airport access and medical-tourism infrastructure as strengths. Huons wins IND approval for Phase 2 trial of dry-eye drug candidate HUC1-394 Huons said on the 12th it received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on March 11 for an investigational new drug application for a Phase 2 clinical trial of HUC1-394, a new drug candidate for dry eye disease. HUC1-394 is a peptide-based eye drop Huons licensed from Novacell Technology. The candidate selectively binds to and activates formyl peptide receptor 2, a receptor involved in the body’s inflammation-resolution process, the company said. By helping repair damaged tissue and improving keratoconjunctivitis, or inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, it is expected to address dry eye disease at its root, it added. Huons said it previously demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 trial last year involving 60 healthy adults. No serious adverse events occurred after single and repeated dosing, the company said, providing sufficient basis for follow-up trials. With the Phase 2 plan approved, Huons will conduct a multicenter, randomized, double-blind (RCT) trial in 150 dry-eye patients at major medical institutions including Severance Hospital at Yonsei University College of Medicine. The study will assess safety and efficacy and explore the optimal dosing regimen. Alteogen registers U.S. patent for Keytruda SC composition; protection through early 2043 Alteogen said on the 12th it registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office a composition patent related to a subcutaneous Keytruda product that combines its Hybrozyme platform-based ALT-B4 (berahyaluronidase alfa) with Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Under the patent, the subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda using ALT-B4, marketed as Keytruda Qurex, will be protected in the United States until early 2043, or about 17 years, the company said. Keytruda Qurex received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September and is now sold in the United States, Alteogen said. The company said it can receive up to $1 billion in sales milestones based on annual and cumulative revenue, followed by sales-based royalties. Alteogen said the patent is part of its broader portfolio strategy to strengthen protection of the Hybrozyme platform, adding that the registration again confirms the novelty and proprietary invention of ALT-B4.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 17:18:00
  • Novo Nordisk to Cut Wegovy U.S. Wholesale Price Up to 50%, Raising Pressure on GLP-1 Rivals
    Novo Nordisk to Cut Wegovy U.S. Wholesale Price Up to 50%, Raising Pressure on GLP-1 Rivals Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy will see its U.S. wholesale acquisition cost cut to about half starting next year, a move that industry watchers say signals a shift toward price competition in the fast-growing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) market. According to the industry on Tuesday, the Danish drugmaker will reduce the WAC for Wegovy injections, oral Wegovy and the oral diabetes drug Rybelsus by 35% to 50% starting Jan. 1. The monthly list price for GLP-1 treatments will be adjusted to $675, about 1.01 million won, roughly half of Wegovy’s previous level. WAC is the wholesale list price before discounts and rebates. Because the U.S. government does not directly control drug prices, WAC serves as a benchmark for negotiations with insurers and wholesalers. A lower WAC can also pull down reference prices in other markets. The price cut is being read as a response to patent expirations and intensifying competition. Patents on semaglutide, Wegovy’s key ingredient, are set to expire starting this month in countries including China, India and Brazil. With China-developed drugs and low-cost generics coming into view, the company appears to be moving early to defend market share. The GLP-1 obesity-drug market is expanding rapidly. It is estimated at about $72 billion, about 107 trillion won, and is projected to reach $139 billion, about 206 trillion won, by 2030. Still, some in the industry caution that a larger market does not necessarily translate into higher profits. “For example, the toxin market grew, but cutthroat competition among companies only intensified,” one industry official said. Competition is also becoming more complex as GLP-1 treatments, long dominated by injections, expand into oral formulations. Some analysts describe the shift as a transition from high-priced breakthrough therapies to more widely used treatments. The price pressure is expected to weigh on South Korean companies as well. Among domestic GLP-1 obesity candidates, Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s efpeglenatide is considered the most advanced, with the company aiming for a launch in the second half of this year. Other obesity drugs under development in South Korea are largely in Phase 1 or Phase 2 trials. If global benchmark prices fall, domestic new drugs are likely to face added pressure in pricing. Recovering clinical costs that can run into the trillions of won would require sharply higher sales volumes, but late entrants may struggle to win market share quickly. “Even if latecomers enter, profitability could drop sharply in an already lower global pricing environment,” another industry official said, adding that differentiation such as improved formulations or fewer side effects will be needed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 18:33:00