■Coreline Soft, a medical artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced on the 18th that it has signed a supply contract for the AI-based image analysis software 'Aview COPD' with the Japanese clinical research organization (CRO) 'Micron.' Aview COPD is designed for the early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on AI technology. The entire analysis process is automated. CEO Kim Jin-guk said, 'We will accelerate our entry into the Japanese market based on our collaboration with Micron.'
■CHA Vaccine, a subsidiary of CHA Biotech, announced on the 18th that it has secured topline data confirming the tolerability and safety of its recombinant shingles vaccine candidate 'CVI-VZV-001' in a domestic Phase 1 clinical trial. CEO Yeom Jeong-seon said, 'Based on this topline result, we plan to receive the clinical trial results report in the third quarter and submit the Phase 2 clinical trial IND within this year.' This clinical trial was conducted on 32 healthy adults aged between 50 and 65, divided into three groups and a control group.
■EuBiologics announced on the 18th that it has been selected as the leading organization for the 'Pandemic Preparedness mRNA Vaccine Development Project' overseen by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The project aims to support the approval of COVID-19 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine products from non-clinical to Phase 3 clinical trials with a total project cost of approximately 500 billion won from this year until 2028.
■JLK announced on the 17th that its CT angiography-based large vessel occlusion (LVO) detection solution 'JLK-LVO' has been designated as an innovative medical device. JLK-LVO is an AI software that quickly detects the suspicion of large vessel occlusion (LVO) based on CT angiographic data. It can be used in real-time at the emergency site, supporting medical personnel in making swift and accurate decisions. The integrated assessment for innovative medical devices combines multiple evaluations, allowing entry into medical practice within 80 days after the notification of innovative medical technology as either non-reimbursable or selectively reimbursable.
■Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced on the 18th that it has completed the application for approval of its diabetes treatment 'Enblo' in seven countries, including Costa Rica and Honduras, among others in Central America and Russia. Enblo is a domestic new drug from the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor class. Daewoong Pharmaceuticals stated, 'With this approval application, Enblo has now entered 19 countries globally,' and added, 'Our goal is to expand to 30 countries by 2030.'
■ROKIT Healthcare held a press briefing on its initial public offering (IPO) on the 18th in Yeouido, Seoul, revealing its growth strategy after listing on the KOSDAQ. The total number of shares offered by ROKIT Healthcare is 1.56 million, with an offering price per share expected to be between 11,000 won to 13,000 won, totaling an offering amount of 17.2 billion won to 20.3 billion won. Subscription for general investors is set to take place over two days on the 23rd and 24th. The company is expected to enter the KOSDAQ market on May 12, with SK Securities as the underwriter.
■Merz Aesthetics announced the selection of actress Selma Hayek Pinault as the global ambassador for the next-generation ultrasound lifting device 'Ultherapy PRIME™.' Selma Hayek Pinault is an Academy Award-nominated actress and an Emmy Award-winning director. Merz stated, 'Her lifestyle, which values true self-expression and boldly showcases her unique charm regardless of age, aligns with the values we pursue.' Ultherapy PRIME™ is the next-generation ultrasound lifting device that inherits 'Ulthera®,' which received domestic approval in 2009. It is equipped with a real-time imaging device (MFU-V) approved by the U.S. FDA.
■HANDOK announced on the 18th that it has donated pharmaceuticals and health supplements worth 80 million won to assist disaster victims and the local community affected by the recent large-scale wildfire in Gyeongsang Province. This donation was raised through an in-house emergency fundraising campaign conducted from the 7th to the 13th of this month. HANDOK employees voluntarily contributed a portion of their salaries, and the company matched that amount to create a relief fund. The company stated that even employees on leave actively participated in the fundraising.
■Lee Hyun-seok, the director of Seoul Medical Center, participated in a child abuse prevention relay campaign. This campaign, jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Center for Child Rights, has been ongoing in a relay format since May of last year. Director Lee Hyun-seok nominated Lee Pyeong-won, the director of Dongbu Hospital, who is currently running a health project for low-income children as the next relay participant.
■Korea University Guro Hospital held the inauguration ceremony for its 22nd director, Min Byeong-wook, on the 17th. Director Min emphasized innovative key tasks to strengthen the status of the hospital as a specialized general hospital for severe diseases, ensure staff happiness, and establish the hospital as an essential medical institution contributing to humanity and future society.
■DXVX announced on the 18th that its GLP-1-based peptide obesity treatment under development has entered preclinical trials. The company stated, 'In the initial preclinical evaluation process, we have selected a hit substance that significantly controls weight while inhibiting muscle loss.' The company aims to prove superiority compared to existing products in the early development phase and is strategizing for early licensing out.
■Yuhan Corporation officially launched its 'Derma Puramin' dermacare brand across its entire product line at Olive Young on the 16th. Derma Puramin is inspired by 'Anti-Puramin,' the first national ointment released by Yuhan Corporation in 1933. The line consists of four low-irritation dermafamily body care products and two hair care products that can aid in hair health.
■HLB PHARMA announced the release of its oral dissolvable film formula of PDRN 'Natia PDRN Direct.' The company used PDRN extracted from salmon, which has over 95% DNA similarity with humans, and selected premium raw materials boasting over 86% purity. It also incorporates additional ingredients optimized for inner beauty, such as collagen, liposomal L-glutathione, and hyaluronic acid to enhance the synergistic effect.