■Donghwa Pharmaceutical announced on the 17th that its comprehensive cold medicine, Pancol S, has achieved the top sales position in the cold medicine market for two consecutive years, following last year. According to data compiled by IQVIA, from the fourth quarter of last year to the third quarter of this year, Donga Pharmaceutical’s Pancol S recorded sales of 35.8 billion won. The domestic cold medicine market size is 143 billion won, and Pancol S occupies about 25% of that share. Launched in 1968, Pancol is a comprehensive cold medicine that contains acetaminophen, which has antipyretic and analgesic effects. It is currently available in three types: the adult comprehensive cold medicine Pancol S, the children’s cold medicine Pancol I Cold syrup, and the over-the-counter product Pancol A sold in convenience stores.
■Bio corporation GC Cell announced on the 17th that it will present the results of a 9-year extended follow-up study of its autologous cell immunotherapy, Immuncell-LC, during the American Society of Clinical Oncology gastrointestinal cancer symposium (ASCO GI 2025) in January. The analysis covers the progress of the Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in 2015 over 9 years. ASCO GI is one of the most influential global conferences in the field of gastrointestinal cancer. The presentation will be delivered by Professor Lee Jung-hoon from the Gastroenterology Department at Seoul National University College of Medicine, who led the research. The session titled ‘New immunotherapy approaches for cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer’ will focus on ‘Adjuvant cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Extended follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial and profiling of immune cells post-treatment.’ A company official noted, ‘The fact that it has been selected for a session introducing the most notable new immunotherapies and is being discussed as a panel topic shows that the importance of adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and the clinical significance of Immuncell-LC have been recognized at a global conference.’
■SK Biopharm announced on the 17th that it has signed a joint research and development agreement with biotechnology corporation Proent Therapeutics for the development of new radiopharmaceuticals (RPT). Through this joint research, SK Biopharm is set to embark on developing next-generation RPT drugs based on low molecular weight proteins. The two companies plan to secure up to two preclinical candidates by 2027 and accelerate the drug development process.
■Medytox announced on the 17th that it is continuing support for the treatment of clubfoot in pediatric cerebral palsy patients in Mongolia, enhancing its global corporate social responsibility activities in collaboration with the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Clubfoot, also known as equinus gait, is a symptom of abnormal walking that occurs due to spastic paralysis of the muscles, seen in patients with strokes and cerebral palsy. It is currently known that there is no cure. Therefore, rehabilitation treatment is provided to relax the muscles using botulinum toxin. Since 2018, Medytox has supported the treatment of over 1,000 pediatric cerebral palsy patients in Mongolia. It is also running an educational program for local rehabilitation specialists and physical therapists to share the expertise of Korean medical professionals.
■Synthetic Biology Corporation Shintechabio announced on the 17th that it has completed the registration of a domestic patent for its method of discovering effective substances through AI-based protein-ligand 3D binding analysis. The patent is titled ‘Method and device for discovering effective substances through three-dimensional binding structure information between protein and ligand.’
■DXVX announced on the 17th that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement regarding a patent for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine materials that can be stored at room temperature for an extended period with Pohang University of Science and Technology. Under the agreement, DXVX secures global exclusive commercialization rights for its mRNA platform designed for extended storage at room temperature. Although mRNA has advantages such as rapid development speed and high efficacy compared to existing vaccine technologies, it requires storage at ultra-low temperatures, such as -70 degrees Celsius, resulting in high delivery costs and short shelf life.
■The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation announced on the 17th that it will publicly recruit 22 reviewers in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices by the 22nd. This recruitment is part of the ‘New Drug Approval Innovation Plan’ established by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in September, aiming to enhance review capabilities through the operation of dedicated review teams for each product and the expansion of professional personnel. Major tasks include quality, safety, and efficacy reviews for new drug approvals for pharmaceuticals and biologics, and reviews for newly developed, innovative, and high-tech medical devices. Details on qualifications can be confirmed at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s excellent talent recruitment system (http://employ.mfds.go.kr).
■Chong Kun Dang Group’s subsidiary Chong Kun Dang Health announced on the 17th that it donated its probiotic product, Lactofit, to the Seoul Namdaemun Goshiwon Counseling Center through a low-carbon campaign involving employee participation. The low-carbon campaign encourages employees to certify their carbon-reduction activities in their daily lives, with one Lactofit product donated for every participating employee. Chong Kun Dang Health delivered Lactofit to 330 households of elderly individuals living alone and vulnerable groups in the Namdaemun area. Last year, all proceeds from an in-house bazaar were also donated to the Seoul Namdaemun Goshiwon Counseling Center.
■Daewon Pharmaceutical has launched a comprehensive nutritional supplement for bone and joint pain relief called Mentocond. Mentocond is a compound preparation of chondroitin sulfate sodium and vitamin B complex. The name combines ‘Mentor’ with ‘Cond,’ representing chondroitin, to signify its intent to be a health mentor for consumers. Chondroitin, the main ingredient, is one of the components of connective tissues like cartilage and bone cornea, playing a crucial role in maintaining joint health. As the body’s chondroitin synthesis decreases with age, supplementation from external sources becomes necessary. Mentocond contains 800 mg of chondroitin per tablet based on a daily serving of one tablet.