Journalist

Park boram
  • Korea Tightens Delisting Rules, Raising Risks for Low-Priced Pharma Stocks
    Korea Tightens Delisting Rules, Raising Risks for Low-Priced Pharma Stocks Tighter delisting requirements are heightening anxiety across South Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotech sector, particularly among smaller drugmakers that have posted losses for years and now trade below 1,000 won a share. Industry officials said March 5 that starting in July, any stock that stays below 1,000 won for 30 consecutive trading days will be designated an “issue for administration.” If it then fails to recover for at least 45 trading days within 90 days, it must enter delisting procedures. The single-price threshold effectively strengthens oversight of so-called “penny stocks.” Joa Pharmaceutical and Kyungnam Pharmaceutical are among companies currently trading below 1,000 won per share. Drugmakers typically must invest in research and development before generating revenue from successful commercialization. New-drug development generally requires spending more than 10% to 15% of sales on R&D, and shares often plunge when planned technology-transfer deals fall through. That makes it difficult to judge companies solely on short-term earnings or price-to-earnings ratios, industry officials said. “The pharmaceutical business has characteristics that make it hard to evaluate only by short-term performance or PER,” one industry official said. “We need to consider whether a single standard like share price sufficiently reflects a company’s intrinsic value.” Others argue the risks are not only structural. Some companies have accumulated firm-specific problems such as aging brands, a lack of new growth engines and unstable management, another industry official said. “Companies that failed to move beyond brand dependence or delayed restructuring will be hit hardest by the tighter rules,” the official said. Joa Pharmaceutical has posted losses for seven straight years. Its business is weighted toward over-the-counter drugs and relies on a pharmacy sales network. It operates a network through its subsidiary Medipharm, which runs about 1,000 franchised pharmacies nationwide, but it has not shown clear results in securing new growth drivers, according to the assessment in the industry.Kyungnam Pharmaceutical has strong brand recognition centered on its vitamin C product Lemona. But its revenue is concentrated in a single brand, a structural limitation often cited. The company has recently expanded its inner-beauty product lineup, but a new growth engine that could replace Lemona has yet to take hold. Repeated management changes and recurring talk of a sale have also weighed on investor sentiment. Its largest shareholder, Humasis, also trades below 1,000 won, and market concerns about financial stability have not fully eased. Some in the industry said the new rules could become a turning point that separates stronger and weaker smaller drugmakers. Even accounting for the R&D-heavy nature of the sector, the market is demanding both financial soundness and credible growth strategies, they said. “The intent is reasonable as a warning to companies that have settled for the domestic market,” one official said. “The market will more strictly distinguish between companies with innovation capabilities and those without.” Still, some observers said a wave of delistings is unlikely. They expect selective restructuring or consolidation through mergers and acquisitions rather than broad removals. “Considering the market impact, a phased cleanup is more realistic than blanket delistings,” an industry official said. With profitability pressured by factors such as drug price cuts, companies may look to M&A for synergies or shift into higher-margin areas such as health functional foods, the official said. “If management stabilizes and R&D results become visible, it could be a turning point for corporate value,” the official added.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 16:36:10
  • ABL Bio to Join East-West Biopharma Summit; Dongkook Launches Centellian24 Ampoule; Medytox Promotions
    ABL Bio to Join East-West Biopharma Summit; Dongkook Launches Centellian24 Ampoule; Medytox Promotions ABL Bio to attend East-West Biopharma Summit ABL Bio said March 5 it will attend the 5th East-West Biopharma Summit: Seoul, set for March 9-11. The event is co-hosted by global biotech publication BioCentury and biopharma executive network BayHelix, with McKinsey & Company participating as an insights partner. The summit brings together pharmaceutical and biotech industry officials to share insights on global markets and explore new business opportunities. Companies expected to attend include Eli Lilly, Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck (MSD) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABL Bio CEO Lee Sang-hoon is scheduled to join the “Deal Maker Showcase” session on March 10 as a panelist. He plans to discuss key strategies for successful technology-transfer deals with global companies, along with lessons learned from negotiations, including missteps. The company said it also plans business development talks with global firms and will seek partnership opportunities. Dongkook Pharmaceutical launches Centellian24 ‘Expert Madeca Mela Capture Toning Shot Ampoule’ Dongkook Pharmaceutical said March 5 it will release a new “mela-proof” ampoule under its dermacosmetic brand Centellian24, called the “Expert Madeca Mela Capture Toning Shot Ampoule.” The company said the product is the latest version of its “Expert Madeca Mela Capture Ampoule,” which has sold more than 21 million units cumulatively since its 2019 launch. The new product applies a “mela-proof” solution designed to manage multiple factors that accelerate melanin production. The company said it showed results indicating skin temperature dropped by about 6.68 degrees Celsius immediately after use, and it was designed to address melanin concerns linked to ultraviolet exposure and skin heat. Dongkook said it combined its key ingredient, a standardized extract of Centella asiatica (TECA), with its patented melanin-related ingredient “MELA-WHITE,” and applied a three-step ultra-low-temperature cooling method, “Mela Freeze,” that goes down to minus 120 degrees Celsius. The company said the resulting proprietary ingredient, “SNOW-TECA,” is included at 20,000 ppm. Medytox group carries out 2026 promotions Medytox said March 5 it carried out employee promotions for 2026. In the reshuffle, Kim Hak-woo was promoted from director to managing director. The company said Kim earned a master’s degree from Yonsei University and has worked at Medytox for 25 years, overseeing operations at the Osong Plant 3 and the Ochang Plant 1. Kim Min-ju, a department head at affiliate Newmeco, was also promoted to director. Medytox Group said a total of 114 employees were promoted across research, production, sales, clinical, regulatory affairs and management functions for strong performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 16:33:00
  • Hair-Loss Drug Market Grows as Companies Race to Develop Longer-Lasting Treatments
    Hair-Loss Drug Market Grows as Companies Race to Develop Longer-Lasting Treatments The hair-loss treatment market is expanding rapidly, and drugmakers are stepping up efforts to develop new medicines that address the limits of existing therapies. With options narrowed by the burden of long-term daily use, side-effect concerns and restrictions by sex, demand is rising for safer, more sustainable treatments. According to global research firm Research Nester, the hair-loss drug market is projected to grow from $11.44 billion in 2025 to $33.07 billion in 2035. Population aging and greater interest in appearance are cited as key drivers. Even so, treatment choices in clinics remain limited. The most widely used therapies are oral finasteride and dutasteride and topical minoxidil. Finasteride and dutasteride work by suppressing DHT, a male hormone linked to hair loss, but their use is restricted for women of childbearing age. Patients also face the burden of taking the drugs daily. To overcome those constraints, companies are pursuing drugs that target new pathways beyond hormone suppression, as well as long-acting formulations designed to sharply reduce dosing frequency. JW Pharmaceutical is developing JW0061, a first-in-class candidate involved in the proliferation of hair follicle cells. Because it does not directly suppress hormones, it could also be used for women. Development of injectable treatments aimed at improving convenience is also accelerating. Chong Kun Dang is developing CKD-843, an improved drug that converts oral dutasteride into an intramuscular injection given once every three months. Daewoong Pharmaceutical and Inventage Lab are jointly developing IVL3001, a long-acting injectable based on oral finasteride, designed for monthly dosing with effects lasting up to three months. Expectations have also risen after discussions resurfaced on reviewing national health insurance coverage for hair-loss drugs, following an instruction by President Lee Jae-myung. Still, analysts say the market outlook should distinguish between conditions: receding-hairline and crown hair loss are hormone-related cosmetic conditions, while alopecia areata stems from immune-system abnormalities and requires a different approach. Alopecia areata patients worldwide are estimated at about 147 million. With more young patients, surveys show 40% of men experience some level of hair loss by age 35. In South Korea, Eli Lilly’s Olumiant (baricitinib) is approved, but patients face heavy costs because it is not covered under the special reimbursement program. Kim Hyun-jung, a dermatology professor at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, said severe alopecia areata is a condition in which immune cells attack hair follicles, making Janus kinase, or JAK, inhibitors essential. She added that studies have also reported benefits from a JAK inhibitor with a different mechanism, upadacitinib, in patients who did not respond to existing treatments. “It should not stop at a single drug,” she said, calling for the entry of more follow-on medicines alongside reimbursement discussions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 17:57:00
  • Boryung Licenses Blood Cancer Drug Xpovio; Dong-A, Daewoong and GC Wellbeing Updates
    Boryung Licenses Blood Cancer Drug Xpovio; Dong-A, Daewoong and GC Wellbeing Updates Boryung signs license-in deal for blood cancer drug Xpovio Boryung said Tuesday it has signed a license-in agreement with Antengene, a China-based oncology drug developer, for the blood cancer drug Xpovio (selinexor). Under the deal, Boryung secured exclusive rights in South Korea, including sales, distribution and regulatory approval. The company began full-scale domestic supply in February. Xpovio, developed by Antengene, is a treatment for multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is described as the world’s first-in-class selective inhibitor of XPO1, a nuclear export protein. By inhibiting nuclear export, tumor suppressor and growth-regulating proteins are retained in the cell nucleus, where they accumulate and activate, inducing cancer cell death. Multiple myeloma often becomes resistant to existing drugs as treatment continues, creating demand for therapies with different mechanisms. Boryung said Xpovio is drawing attention as an additional option for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have limited choices. It is an oral formulation, not an injection, which can improve convenience for long-term treatment. Xpovio is reimbursed for combination therapy with dexamethasone for fifth-line or later treatment. Starting March 1, reimbursement was also expanded to combination therapy with bortezomib and dexamethasone for second-line or later treatment. Dong-A Pharm launches Panpyrin Time powder cold medicine that dissolves without water Dong-A Pharm said Tuesday it has launched Panpyrin Time powder, a cold medicine designed to dissolve in the mouth without water. The powder can be taken anytime and anywhere when cold symptoms appear, the company said. It contains acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, riboflavin, tipepidine and DL-methylephedrine, which it said may help relieve runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough and muscle aches. Dong-A Pharm said it does not add sugar, coloring, caffeine or preservatives, and includes vitamin B2 to help support recovery from cold symptoms. The product applies the company’s patented OD!FS formulation technology, designed to dissolve quickly with a small amount of saliva. Dong-A Pharm said it uses a fine-particle structure and special surface treatment to minimize bitterness, and adds a lemon flavor. The stick-type powder is designed for portability and can be taken by people ages 2 and older, including seniors, the company said. Daewoong says Phase 3 results for CleanCol tablets published in SCI-indexed journal Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Tuesday that Phase 3 results for its next-generation tablet bowel preparation, CleanCol, were published in the SCI-indexed World Journal of Gastroenterology. Daewoong said CleanCol reduces sulfate ingredients by 25% compared with existing products and cuts the number of tablets to 20 to ease the burden of dosing. It also adds picosulfate, an ingredient that helps promote bowel movements. In the study, CleanCol maintained a similar level of bowel-cleansing efficacy compared with an existing bowel preparation, the company said. The overall rate of adverse drug reactions was significantly lower at 18.10% for CleanCol, compared with 33.02% for the existing bowel preparation. The paper was based on a multicenter, randomized Phase 3 trial involving 215 adults at seven university hospitals in South Korea. Principal investigator Park Dong-il, a professor at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, said, “It will help reduce the burden patients experience during colonoscopy preparation and improve medication adherence.” GC Wellbeing receives Chungcheongbuk-do governor’s citation for fire response GC Wellbeing said Tuesday it received a citation from the governor of Chungcheongbuk-do for helping prevent the spread of a fire and supporting firefighting efforts. The award was presented at a ceremony held Monday at the provincial government complex. The company said the citation formally recognizes its disaster-response efforts during a fire at the Hybaro plant. Chungcheongbuk-do Gov. Kim Young-hwan presented the award to Park Dong-hwan, head of production at GC Wellbeing, according to the company. GC Wellbeing said it did not suffer direct facility damage from the fire, but incurred losses from suspended operations, lost workdays, and disposal costs for raw and subsidiary materials. The province highly evaluated the company’s proactive response to help protect community safety and its close cooperation with the public response system, it said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 17:48:00
  • Hanmi Group Unveils Bronze Plaque Honoring Late Founder Lim Seong-gi’s Drug R&D Vision
    Hanmi Group Unveils Bronze Plaque Honoring Late Founder Lim Seong-gi’s Drug R&D Vision Hanmi Group has unveiled to the public for the first time a bronze plaque sculpture honoring the achievements and new-drug development philosophy of its late founder, Lim Seong-gi. The group said March 4 that it held an unveiling ceremony March 2 at Hanmi C&C Square near Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s headquarters in Seoul’s Songpa district, following the fifth Lim Seong-gi Researcher Award ceremony hosted by the Lim Seong-gi Foundation. Family members Song Young-sook, the group’s chairwoman, Vice Chairwoman Lim Ju-hyun and CEO Lim Jong-hoon took part in the unveiling. The plaque features Lim’s likeness and his handwritten phrase, “Innovative management for a strong pharmaceutical nation.” It also summarizes his key accomplishments in four sections: beginnings, the start of innovation, R&D-driven management and a major paradigm shift. It lists milestones in chronological order, starting with the 1973 founding of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Industry and the launch of its first product, “T.S Powder.” Other achievements include completion of the Paltan GMP plant, construction of the Dongtan R&D center and what the company described as the largest new-drug technology export deal in South Korea’s pharmaceutical industry. The inscription also includes Lim’s belief: “New drug development is like my life.” The display also highlights his career from the founding of Im Seong-gi Pharmacy to major technology exports, as well as initiatives tied to his “respect for humanity” management philosophy, including pediatric drug development, Hanmi Love Blood Donation drives and stock gifts to employees. Song Young-sook said, “The spirit of Lim Seong-gi is Hanmi Group’s most precious value and legacy that we must keep and engrave,” adding that she hopes Hanmi employees will keep his intentions close to heart.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:00:00
  • Chong Kun Dang Foundation Expands Scholarships; ABL209 Wins FDA IND; HK inno.N Runs WoW Promotion
    Chong Kun Dang Foundation Expands Scholarships; ABL209 Wins FDA IND; HK inno.N Runs WoW Promotion The Chong Kun Dang Gochon Foundation held its 2026 scholarship certificate ceremony Feb. 27 at Chong Kun Dang’s headquarters in Seoul’s Chungjeong-ro district, the foundation said Monday. The foundation said it will support 403 scholarship recipients in Korea and abroad, including 110 newly selected this year, with scholarships and free dormitory housing through graduation. It said its annual scholarship programs, including academic initiatives, total about 3 billion won. Among those selected, 168 students will receive 1.1 billion won in tuition and living-expense support. The foundation will cover full university tuition for 98 tuition scholarship recipients — 57 in Korea and 41 overseas — and provide 500,000 won a month in living expenses to 70 students. The foundation will also provide free housing at its “Chong Kun Dang Gochon Dormitory” to 235 university students from outside the capital area. It said dormitory recipients can save more than 8 million won a year in housing costs, with total support valued at about 1.9 billion won. The dormitory program was established to help non-Seoul students facing housing pressures and is described as the first housing support facility created by a private scholarship foundation. It operates at four locations in Seoul: Donggyo-dong in Mapo District (Building 1), Hoegi-dong in Dongdaemun District (Building 2), Junggok-dong in Gwangjin District (Building 3), and Yeongdeungpo-dong in Yeongdeungpo District (Building 4). ABL Bio says FDA clears IND for U.S. Phase 1 trial of ABL209 ABL Bio said Monday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an investigational new drug application on Feb. 27 local time for a Phase 1 clinical trial of its bispecific antibody-drug conjugate candidate ABL209. ABL209 is a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate that targets EGFR and MUC1 and is linked to a topoisomerase I inhibitor. The company said targeting two complementary antigens at the same time could address limitations of competing candidates that target only EGFR or only MUC1. Neok Bio, which holds global development and commercialization rights to ABL209 and another bispecific ADC, ABL206, will lead development of both candidates, ABL Bio said. Neok Bio plans to release early clinical data for the two candidates in 2027. HK inno.N’s Hutgae Water teams up with Blizzard’s World of Warcraft for promotion HK inno.N said Monday it is running a special event with Blizzard Entertainment’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game “World of Warcraft.” The company said the promotion is designed to strengthen consumer engagement with its Hutgae Water brand and is timed to the worldwide simultaneous launch schedule for the game’s new expansion pack, “Midnight,” on March 3, Korea time. Customers who buy a 30-bottle Hutgae Water package at Naver Smart Store’s “Condition Mall” will receive a coupon for a special in-game item available only through the promotion, the company said. The event runs from March 3 until supplies run out.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 15:15:00
  • Drugmakers in South Korea Expand Into Senior Care, Eye Long-Term Growth but Face Profit Hurdles
    Drugmakers in South Korea Expand Into Senior Care, Eye Long-Term Growth but Face Profit Hurdles Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are accelerating expansion into senior health care, positioning it as a new growth engine as South Korea enters a super-aged society. With medical and caregiving demand expected to rise structurally, companies are moving into the “silver market,” where they can apply core capabilities while seeking long-term revenue with relatively lighter regulatory burdens. According to the Korea Insurance Research Institute on the 2nd, the number of older people needing care — including those with dementia and seniors living alone — is steadily increasing. By 2030, it projects that 16.5% to 26.3% of older adults will need elder-care services. Companies are responding by combining real estate development capacity with differentiated models such as health functional foods and digital technology. Among early movers is Chong Kun Dang. Chong Kun Dang Industry, a property asset management company under Chong Kun Dang Holdings, has expanded its footprint by acquiring nursing-care facilities. It operates “Bellforest” and “Heritage Nursing Home,” offering premium services. Heritage Nursing Home has a system designed to respond immediately in emergencies by linking with major hospitals. “Pharmaceutical companies already have networks among older adults and chronic-disease data, so combining that with the care industry creates strong synergy,” an industry source said. Still, concerns remain that care businesses may not deliver the profitability companies expect, largely because labor costs dominate spending. Nursing facilities must use 62.5% of government reimbursement payments for labor, and when indirect labor costs are included, staffing can account for about 70% to 80% of total expenditures. The burden can grow as facilities scale and it becomes harder to meet required ratios. “Separating the business into a separate corporation may limit financial risk, but operating nursing facilities requires distinct capabilities because it involves managing the overall brand image,” another industry official said. Kim Dae-jong, a professor in the School of Business at Sejong University, said, “Korea has the second-largest elderly population after Japan, and the silver industry is structurally bound to grow over the long term,” adding, “Any company will face limits to growth with its core business alone.” Overseas, pharmaceutical companies’ expansion into senior care is already seen as a proven model as aging becomes a business opportunity. Recently, Asian companies have focused on mental health and elder nursing. Japan’s Eisai, judging that “medicine alone cannot solve the dementia problem,” launched its subsidiary Theoria Technologies in 2023 and entered the dementia management platform business. China’s major drugmaker Sinopharm operates an integrated senior-care system built around combined medical and nursing-care hubs, expanding services on a “whole life-cycle” basis. The offering includes rehabilitation care, chronic-disease management and professional nursing services, in addition to supplying medicines. In South Korea, drugmakers are pursuing strategies aligned with their strengths. Daewoong Pharmaceutical formed a dedicated digital health care organization and unveiled its integrated artificial intelligence platform, “All New Think.” With more older adults needing ongoing management and more than 90% of domestic hospital beds lacking real-time monitoring systems, analysts see room for growth. However, as the market is still in an early stage, issues such as integrating AI technology and the contribution to sales remain to be assessed. Senior nutrition is also emerging as a new expansion track. Hanmi Science introduced “Hanmi Care Me,” a premium complete balanced nutrition product aimed at addressing nutritional imbalance among older adults. For seniors who struggle to consume adequate nutrients due to reduced activity and smaller meals, the message that it is “nutrition designed by a pharmaceutical company” can boost trust in purchasing. “Because the senior market is driven by trust-based consumption, pharmaceutical brands have an advantage,” an industry source said, while noting that the food industry already holds high market share and companies must also weigh the cost of building distribution and marketing infrastructure. Some also see longer-term benefits in understanding seniors’ needs and data. Sung Hye-jin, deputy director at the Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy Institute, said, “The senior market has a trust-based consumption tendency that fits well with pharmaceutical companies,” adding, “With the market still in its early stage, now is the time to enter, and there will be opportunities to lead across diverse fields.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 06:05:26
  • Small Weight Changes Can Signal Bigger Health Shifts, Experts Say
    Small Weight Changes Can Signal Bigger Health Shifts, Experts Say Early this year, U.S. investment bank Jefferies said major U.S. airlines could save as much as $580 million (about 8.255 trillion won) in fuel costs this year. The analysis linked the savings to the surge in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) obesity drugs, saying lower average passenger weight could reduce takeoff weight and improve fuel efficiency. The report estimated that a 10% drop in average passenger weight could cut fuel costs by up to 1.5%. For airlines, it is an unexpected benefit. In 2018, United Airlines saved about $290,000 (about 412.69 million won) a year in fuel by printing its in-flight magazine on lighter paper. Before that, it pursued weight cuts down to the gram, even removing a single olive from a salad. Now passenger weight loss has emerged as a new variable. The same principle applies to the human body: small changes can drive measurable effects. Weight is often treated as a simple marker of dieting success, but even a 1 to 2 kilogram shift can prompt sensitive responses across body systems. Understanding how the body detects small weight changes can support more precise health management. Blood pressure is a clear example. In obese patients with hypertension, losing 1 kilogram is associated with a 1.6 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure and a 1.3 mmHg drop in diastolic pressure. The numbers may look small, but for people with hypertension they can be meaningful enough to affect medication dosing and cardiovascular risk. Joints also respond quickly. A 1-kilogram weight gain adds 3 to 4 kilograms of load to the knee joint, helping explain why stair climbing can worsen pain. Conversely, many people say their knees feel noticeably better after losing just 2 to 3 kilograms. Sleep quality can be sensitive as well. Snoring and sleep apnea are linked to excess fat around the neck, which can press on the airway and interfere with breathing. With a 1-kilogram weight loss, the respiratory disturbance index, or RDI, tends to fall by about 0.5 to 1 event. As aircraft fuel efficiency reacts to small shifts in weight, the body’s functions also move in tandem with modest weight changes. Metabolic function can respond especially fast, and small adjustments in weight may improve blood sugar and inflammation levels over a short period. Medical research has recently drawn attention to “metabolic age” as an indicator used to gauge healthy lifespan and aging. Even without formal testing, it can be inferred through indirect signals. A larger waistline (90 centimeters for men, 85 centimeters for women), higher fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL) and rising triglycerides are commonly cited signs that metabolic stress is building. Kim Jeong-eun, director of the 365mc Fat Stem Cell Center and a family medicine specialist, said a higher metabolic age suggests the body is gradually losing efficiency in burning energy. “When metabolic function declines, you can gain weight more easily even with the same food, and recovery from fatigue can be slower,” Kim said. Experts say close observation of physical changes is central to health management, and that improving daily habits is key to keeping metabolism “younger.” Basic steps include cutting back on simple sugars and refined carbohydrates that rapidly raise blood sugar, and eating enough protein to prevent muscle loss. A vegetable-centered diet that includes berries, dark leafy vegetables and omega-3 fats can reduce inflammation and help stabilize metabolism. Kim said not only what people eat but also the order matters. Kim recommended eating vegetables slowly for about five minutes just before or at the start of a meal, then moving to protein. That sequence, Kim said, can promote the release of hormones that increase fullness and help control overall intake. Exercise is most effective when it combines strength training and aerobic activity. Lower-body strength exercises such as squats, lunges and deadlifts stimulate large muscle groups and can help improve metabolism. Doing 100 to 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or running, two to three times a week, can support steadier blood sugar and fat burning. Kim said that for people with diabetes or those who need blood sugar control, light walking within 30 minutes after a meal is especially effective because it helps muscles use glucose. 2026-02-26 17:18:58
  • Presbyopia Eye Drops Near Korea Launch as Competition Builds
    Presbyopia Eye Drops Near Korea Launch as Competition Builds South Korea is moving closer to introducing prescription eye drops for presbyopia, drawing growing attention as a non-surgical alternative to glasses, contact lenses and procedures. With convenience a key selling point, early competition is expected to sharpen as more products near launch. According to market research firm Expert Market Research’s “South Korea Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market Report and Forecast,” the country’s myopia and presbyopia treatment market is projected to grow from $631.63 million in 2025 to $1.24251 billion in 2035. The report cited a younger onset age for presbyopia as expanding the potential patient pool. Presbyopia eye drops work by constricting the pupil to create a “pinhole effect,” improving near vision and depth of focus. In the United States, four products have been approved since AbbVie’s Vuity in 2021: Orasis Pharmaceuticals’ Qlosi, Lenz Therapeutics’ Vizz, and Tenpoint Therapeutics’ Uvage. Of those, the three products other than Vuity are effectively within sight of entering the South Korean market. Vuity benefited from a first-mover advantage in the U.S., but headaches and eye redness, along with a short duration of about three to four hours, have been cited as drawbacks. Uvage, Qlosi and Vizz are not new-mechanism drugs; they recombine or refine existing ingredients, focusing on improving duration and side effects. As a result, analysts say commercialization capabilities, more than differences in efficacy, may determine winners. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical holds exclusive rights in South Korea for Uvage, which received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval this month. The company said it applied for approval with South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in September last year, and expects the domestic review to pick up speed. A Kwangdong Pharmaceutical official said the company is fostering ophthalmology as a next growth engine, citing pediatric myopia drug candidate NVK002, ophthalmic rare-disease treatment Lacson, and retinitis pigmentosa candidate OCU400. The official said it plans to strengthen its position by using a sales network built through its existing eye-care business. Optus Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Samchundang Pharmaceutical, signed an exclusive domestic license and supply agreement with U.S.-based Orasis Pharmaceuticals in September 2024 for Qlosi and is preparing to launch Qlosi 0.4% within this year. With single-use eye-drop manufacturing infrastructure and expertise in ophthalmic drugs, the company is seen as well positioned to expand early prescriptions after entering the market. Taiwan’s Lotus Pharmaceutical signed an exclusive license with Lenz Therapeutics for commercialization rights to Vizz in South Korea and parts of Southeast Asia, and applied in December last year for new-drug approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. In South Korea, the pace of market entry is expected to depend on the sales infrastructure of Lotus subsidiary Alvogen Korea, and how quickly it can expand a sales network focused on obesity and women’s health into ophthalmology. In the United States, presbyopia eye drops sell for about 100,000 won for a month’s supply, or 25 doses. In South Korea, the products are likely to launch outside insurance coverage, raising the possibility of price competition, but safety is also expected to be central to early market leadership. Jeong Yoon-taek, head of the Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Strategy Research Institute, said price resistance is likely, but an image of “low side effects” could become important. He added that companies may also need strategies that emphasize the products’ lifestyle-drug nature for temporary needs depending on time, place and situation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 17:27:00
  • GC Pharma Anthrax Vaccine Wins Korea New Drug Grand Prize; Dongkook, Daewoong, SK Biopharm Updates
    GC Pharma Anthrax Vaccine Wins Korea New Drug Grand Prize; Dongkook, Daewoong, SK Biopharm Updates GC Pharma’s Baritrax Injection wins top prize at Korea New Drug Awards GC Pharma said Feb. 25 that Baritrax Injection, the world’s first recombinant anthrax vaccine co-developed with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, will receive the grand prize at the 27th Korea New Drug Awards on Feb. 27. Lee Jae-woo, head of development at GC Pharma, and Kang Ji-eun, product manager for Baritrax Injection, will also be honored for their contributions, receiving commendations from the minister of science and ICT and the president of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, respectively. The Korea New Drug Awards are hosted by the Korea Drug Development Research Association and supported by the ministries of science and ICT, health and welfare, and trade, industry and energy. The awards were established in 1999 to recognize drug and technology achievements that contribute to the growth of South Korea’s bio and health industries. Baritrax Injection received marketing approval in April last year as South Korea’s 39th domestically developed new drug and its third domestically developed new-drug vaccine. Unlike conventional methods that use nonpathogenic anthrax bacteria, it produces and purifies only the protective antigen protein — a key component of anthrax toxin — using recombinant technology, a feature the company said significantly improves safety. Clinical trials confirmed strong safety and robust immunogenicity. GC Pharma said few companies globally supply anthrax vaccines, calling Baritrax Injection a symbolic achievement in localizing production of strategic vaccines. The company said its safety profile is a key differentiator and supports competitiveness for future entry into global markets. Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s Centellian24 steps up North America push Dongkook Pharmaceutical said Feb. 25 it held a “private breakfast” event in New York on Feb. 2 for beauty editors and major influencers to promote its Centellian24 brand. The event introduced the brand story and key products and offered hands-on experiences with items including Madeca Cream Time Reverse, the PDRN line, the matcha line and the new Madeca Prime Max device. A networking session included a Q&A on the products. The company said social media posts after the event generated more than 3.3 million exposures. Dongkook Pharmaceutical also participated under the Centellian24 brand in “2026 Cosmoprof Miami,” North America’s largest B2B beauty trade show, held from Feb. 2 to 29. The company said the show drew about 19,000 industry professionals and distributors from 115 countries and about 900 brands. Dongkook Pharmaceutical said it introduced the brand, core skin-care technologies and new product lines and held consultations with about 100 buyers. Daewoong Pharmaceutical targets global obesity market with painless microneedles Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Feb. 25 it signed a global exclusive license agreement with Daewoong Therapeutics for products based on microneedle technology. Under the deal, Daewoong Pharmaceutical will take charge of areas requiring investment, including global marketing and commercialization, while Daewoong Therapeutics will pursue its own business using the technology and expand its applications. Daewoong Pharmaceutical said it is developing an obesity treatment that applies GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, to a microneedle patch. It is conducting a Phase 1 trial of a “semaglutide patch” and plans to expand indications to include maintenance therapy after weight loss, building a pipeline covering the full course of obesity treatment. The company said the patch uses a process that does not apply heat to preserve key ingredients and delivers high-dose drugs precisely through about 100 microneedles in a coin-sized area. It said aseptic manufacturing supports stability and a once-weekly application improves convenience. SK Biopharmaceuticals named a “2026 Great Place to Work” in South Korea SK Biopharmaceuticals said Feb. 25 it was selected as a “2026 Great Place to Work” in South Korea by the Great Place to Work Institute, earning certification for a fourth straight year. The company ranked 23rd in the core “100 Best Companies to Work For in South Korea” list. It also received recognition in two additional categories: “Best Workplace for Parents in South Korea” and “Global ESG Human Rights Management Certification,” for a total of three awards. In an individual category, President Lee Dong-hoon was named “Most Respected CEO in Korea” for a second consecutive year, the company said, citing evaluations of his open communication and trust-based leadership. Since taking office, Lee has held one-on-one meetings with all employees, meetings by organization and monthly town hall meetings to build a flexible workplace culture. Lee Dong-hoon, president of SK Biopharmaceuticals, said, “We will continue to accelerate our leap into a global big biotech by fostering a culture of growth with our employees, and we will be a company that fulfills its social responsibilities.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 17:16:44