Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 28th that it has completed the remodeling of its operating rooms for the first time in 6 years. The size and functionality of the operating rooms have been significantly expanded, introducing advanced facilities such as hybrid operating rooms and robotic operating rooms to enhance the efficiency of treating severe patients and improve patient safety. The remodeling was conducted to address issues such as increased waiting times for existing surgeries and difficulties in timely treatment for severe patient surgeries. The main hospital's operating rooms have been newly built from the previous 31 operating rooms to a state-of-the-art 41 operating rooms, with a total floor area expanded by 62.4%. As a result, Seoul National University Hospital now has 2 negative pressure operating rooms, 1 hybrid operating room, and 3 robotic operating rooms.
Celltrion announced on the 28th that it has orally presented the preclinical results of its multi-antibody anticancer drug, CT-P72, at the world’s largest cancer conference, AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) 2025, held in Chicago, USA. CT-P72 is a multi-antibody immune anticancer drug co-developed by Celltrion and the U.S. biotech company Abpro, designed to connect HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)-expressing cancer cells with immune cells called T cells to eliminate cancer cells through the T cell engager (TCE) mechanism. Celltrion signed a co-development agreement with Abpro to develop a dual-antibody therapy targeting HER2-positive solid tumors in 2022. According to the presentation, CT-P72 is designed to activate T cells and attack cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells by targeting both HER2 and the immune cell surface protein CD3 simultaneously.
Dong-A ST announced on the 28th that it will present the non-clinical results of the EGFR-targeted protein degraders, SC2073 (IN-207039), co-researched with HK inno.N at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2025) held from April 25 to 30 (local time) in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The company will unveil the non-clinical study results of SC2073 (IN-207039), which is being developed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR resistance mutations. The focus will be on the latest research achievements aimed at overcoming resistance caused by EGFR mutations and introducing the new possibilities of SC2073 (IN-207039) for treating non-small cell lung cancer.
ABL Bio announced on the 28th that it has received Eurasian patent decisions for its insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) monoclonal antibody aimed at developing treatments for degenerative brain diseases. This patent was internationally filed in June 2020, and the latest patent decision allows the company to protect its rights to the IGF1R monoclonal antibody until 2040. IGF1R is a receptor that transmits signals for cell growth and survival, regulating metabolism and physiological functions through various signaling pathways. IGF1R is highly expressed in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain compared to other tissues, and is considered one of the important targets in the study of various diseases, including degenerative brain diseases. The company has developed a shuttle, 'Grabody-B,' that helps drugs such as antibodies and RNA efficiently penetrate the BBB by targeting IGF1R, aiming to develop treatments addressing the root causes of degenerative brain diseases.
CG Invites announced on the 28th that it has succeeded in developing an AI-based mRNA platform with high expression efficiency. CG Invites utilized an AI-based neoantigen prediction algorithm to achieve approximately 2.8 times higher accuracy and tumor growth suppression effects compared to existing global leading groups in animal models last November. Securing an efficient mRNA platform that can load neoantigens is essential for maximizing the practical efficacy of the personalized cancer vaccines under development. To this end, CG Invites has fused large language models (LLM), machine learning, and evolutionary algorithms to create tens of thousands of high-efficiency mRNA platforms that did not previously exist in human genes. Testing some of these platforms for expression efficiency has confirmed superior expression efficiency results compared to the global leading group's COVID-19 mRNA platform.
IntoCell, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform company, announced on the 28th that it held a press conference to discuss its future growth strategy through KOSDAQ listing. Founded by Park Tae-kyo, a co-founder of LigaChem Biosciences and a key figure in inventing the core platform technology 'ConjuALL', IntoCell has improved the limitations of existing ADC technology and achieved technical differentiation based on OHPAS™ Linker, PMT™ technology, and Nexatecan™ platform. Furthermore, the company has achieved a total of three technology commercialization results, demonstrating future growth potential. IntoCell has set a core business strategy to achieve a cumulative 10 technology commercializations by 2028, continue to expand the OHPAS™-based pipeline, and develop new linkers and ADC platforms. Additionally, it aims to introduce 10 new drugs utilizing IntoCell technology and achieve a market capitalization of 10 trillion won by the 2030s, presenting the '2030+, into 10-10' long-term vision.
Daewon Pharmaceutical announced on the 28th that its intravenous and lymph circulation improvement product, Newvane, has surpassed cumulative sales of 10.17 million packets as of March. Since its launch in July 2020, Newvane has been steadily growing and is recognized as a high-content Troxerutin formulation that helps improve symptoms such as leg pressure, swelling, pain, and leg restlessness. In particular, the easy-to-take form, taken without water once a day, provides optimal convenience for today's busy lifestyles leading to high satisfaction. Newvane conducted television advertisements with well-known actors like Go Youn-jung and Kim Shin-rok, significantly increasing its public recognition, and this year is strengthening digital marketing activities targeting women consumers aged 20 to 50.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical announced on the 28th that it will launch a new product, 'Madeca Cream Tight Lifting,' from its dermacosmetic brand Centellian24. This product is the first from the Madeca Cream series of the Centellian24 brand introduced in collaboration with Ribon Cosmetics, a subsidiary acquired by Dongkook Pharmaceutical in October last year. Madeca Cream Tight Lifting offers a firm lift and encompasses the concept of 'slow aging' to slow down the pace of skin aging and transition to a healthier state, providing a multi-faceted lifting anti-aging solution. It is characterized by a mechanism that tightly fills the skin cells with moisture, firmly organizes the skin line, and lifts the entire face while also brightening the skin for a fresh look.
Chong Kun Dang announced on the 28th that it has launched two types of acne treatment, 'DermaGram,' which can be selected as either a spray type or gel type based on the characteristics of the affected area. 'DermaGram Liquid' is a spray-type external solution suitable for treating acne on large areas such as the back and chest or hard-to-reach areas, featuring a rotating nozzle that allows spraying from various angles. It contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid, 0.3% Isopropyl Methylphenol, and 0.2% Allantoin, effective in antibacterial action, skin regeneration, and keratolytic effects. 'DermaGram Gel' is a gel formulation effective for inflammatory acne, released in a convenient tube (18g) for narrow areas. It contains 40 mg of Nicotinamide per gram, effective against inflammation. Clinical trials showed an overall improvement rate of 86% and a lesion count reduction rate of 59.5% for moderate to severe acne.
SillaJen announced on the 28th that the results of studies on the combined effects of the developing anticancer drug BAL0891 and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting (AACR 2025). According to the research results, cell experiments confirmed that administering BAL0891 activates the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in cancer cells due to chromosomal instability (CIN) and induces immune responses. Additionally, animal experiments confirmed that BAL0891 creates an environment conducive to inducing anticancer immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting that BAL0891 can be used as a combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. BAL0891 is set to enter clinical trials in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor Tislelizumab, developed by global pharmaceutical company BeiGene.
KOLON Life Science announced on the 28th that its subsidiary KOLON Biotech introduced its excellent biopharmaceutical CMO and CDMO technology at the 2025 International Osteoarthritis Congress (OARSI) held in Songdo, Incheon, from April 24 to 27. OARSI is the world’s leading international conference in the field of osteoarthritis, and this is the first time it has been held in Korea. More than 1,000 global industry experts from over 50 countries participate every year to share the latest medical trends and technologies related to osteoarthritis. KOLON Biotech opened a promotional booth to showcase its process development services provided in stages from initial to marketing to participants of the congress.
VORONOI announced on the 28th that it has demonstrated the efficacy of its EGFR non-small cell lung cancer-targeted treatment VRN11 through early clinical data presented at the AACR 2025. VORONOI revealed that during the ongoing phase 1a dose-escalation stage at AACR 2025, low-dose administration of 40 mg in patients with the EGFR C797S double mutation (EGFR L858R/C797S) brain metastasis resulted in over 50% partial response in lung lesions and complete response in brain lesions without side effects. Specifically, a tumor measuring 22.2 mm in the lung reduced by more than 50% after 2 months of treatment, while a 10.6 mm brain lesion completely disappeared after 4 months. Currently, VRN11 is advancing to a 240 mg dose, with the clinical design planned for an increase to 320 mg, aiming for even greater anticancer effects as the dosage is escalated.
HLB bioStep announced on the 28th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) at its main center for collaboration in non-clinical trial research and development. Accordingly, the two organizations will promote various forms of cooperation focusing on primate testing, technology and information exchange, test and analysis method development, commercialization support, sharing research facilities and equipment, and educational cooperation in non-clinical trials. The key aspect of this agreement is the establishment of a joint research system related to primate testing. Therefore, the two companies are expected to intensify their cooperation to enhance test quality and research credibility in the area of primate microbiome testing. Notably, they will also engage in mutual technical cooperation in high-precision testing fields based on advanced equipment held by HLB bioStep for biological samples and test substances.
HANDOK announced on the 28th that it is recruiting participants for its 'Dandang Step Campaign, My First Step,' aimed at Type 1 diabetes patients for whom self-directed blood sugar management is becoming increasingly important. This campaign is part of the annual Dandang Step Campaign that HANDOK has been conducting since 2009 to assist in diabetes management. This year, HANDOK collaborated with the Korean Type 1 Diabetes Society to plan the campaign, focusing on the challenges faced by Type 1 diabetes patients in managing blood sugar as they begin their college or work life in their early 20s. The event will take place on Saturday, May 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at HANDOK Future Complex Innovation Hall located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Participants will wear the Continuous Glucose Monitor, Barojen Fit, to monitor real-time changes in their blood sugar levels while engaging in experience-based education. They will also gain comprehensive insights regarding blood sugar management from specialists and coaches on diet and exercise. The expert presentation will share smart self-directed blood sugar management strategies based on real cases.
Korea GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) announced on the 28th that it has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the British Embassy in South Korea and the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea to expand adult vaccination in South Korea in conjunction with World Immunization Week. World Immunization Week, which falls on the last week of April (April 24-30), was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012. Various activities are undertaken during this period in countries around the world to promote vaccination to prevent infectious diseases. In Korea, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency held an international symposium commemorating World Immunization Week on the 23rd and 24th, where various domestic and international speakers, including GSK, discussed the need to expand adult vaccinations, the latest research achievements on vaccines, global trends, and potential future developments in vaccination policies. Although Korea has entered a super-aged society, only two vaccines are currently available for the elderly over 65 years old under the National Immunization Program (NIP): pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine. Under this tripartite MOU, various programs will be pursued to identify ways to expand the current infant-focused national immunization system to cover individuals throughout their life cycle, starting with the joint publication of a report analyzing the socio-economic impacts of adult vaccination.
Dongwha Pharm announced on the 28th that its representative health functional food brand 'Magub' will launch collaboration products, 'Him-i Kkwak Magub Cheonhajangsa Planning Set' in partnership with the popular brand 'Cheonhajangsa' from Jinju Ham. This collaboration is planned to deliver a message of encouragement to all who are busy and fatigued in their daily lives, meeting with the representative brand 'Cheonhajangsa,' which uses the slogan 'Be strong in every moment!'
CHA Hospital and CHA University discussed ways to promote academic exchange and joint research with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a global leader in stem cell and organoid research, at a meeting on the 28th. Johns Hopkins University and Hospital are among the world’s leading medical institutions, providing integrated medical services centered around medical professionals and scientists affiliated with its medical school, having produced a total of 29 Nobel laureates. Recently, they have also ventured into stem cell research to develop midbrain organoids. The two institutions discussed collaboration options through this dialogue, including promoting joint research, sharing data and technology, expanding faculty and student exchange programs, developing educational programs, and holding joint academic activities and seminars.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration announced on the 28th that it will conduct a demand survey for 'National R&D Regulatory Compliance Review' starting on April 23 through May 22, aimed at government departments undertaking national research and development projects to support the development of innovative food and drug products. The regulatory compliance review system diagnoses evaluation criteria, methods, and requirements necessary for the approval of national R&D innovative food and drug products from the early stages of development, providing regulatory response strategies and examining the necessity for joint research to establish evaluation systems for advanced and novel products not covered by existing regulations, thereby assisting in swift market entry.
The Jaseng Medical Foundation announced on the 28th that it held the '9th Jaseng Dream Tree Olympics' for children from local children's centers at the Hangil Gymnasium in Bucheon on the 26th. Launched in 2018, the Jaseng Dream Tree Olympics is a sports event aimed at promoting health and fostering a vibrant culture among children from local children's centers, held once or twice a year nationwide, except during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). To date, approximately 3,700 children have experienced the spirit of cooperation and community through the Jaseng Dream Tree Olympics. About 400 children from 18 local children's centers and over 100 staff from the Jaseng Medical Foundation and Bucheon Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital participated in this event.