The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 29th that the K-Bio and Vaccine Fund No. 4 has been established with a scale of 80 billion won to begin investments. Managed by Solidus Investment, Fund No. 4 has a goal of raising 100 billion won. By securing 40 billion won of public investment from the ministry and 40 billion won from private investment, it achieved the minimum amount required for the start of investment (70% of the target amount) and was confirmed the previous day. Fund No. 4 will invest in corporations developing innovative technologies related to vaccines and across the entire pharmaceutical and bio-health sectors. The K-Bio and Vaccine Fund was promoted to break away from a pharmaceutical and bio industry structure that focuses on generic drugs and to create 'blockbuster' new drugs. It mainly supports clinical trials of innovative new drugs (Phase 2 to 3) and the overseas expansion of domestic corporations, as well as mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Funds No. 1 and No. 2, established in 2023 and last year respectively, have combined to raise a total of 306.6 billion won and have invested a total of 92.8 billion won in 20 corporations to date.
HK inno.N announced on the 29th that it participated in the 'American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2025' held in Chicago, USA, from the 25th to the 30th (local time) and unveiled research results on two cancer drug substances. The presentation featured research on the HPK1 inhibitor (IN-122517), which is gaining attention as a next-generation immuno-oncology drug, and the selective degradation agent for EGFR mutations (IN-207039, SC2073), a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Among these, the EGFR degradation agent is being co-developed by HK inno.N and Dong-A ST. The candidate substance 'IN-122517', a next-generation oral immuno-oncology drug, activates the immune system, including T cells, to induce anti-cancer effects. The goal is to submit the Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2026. Research results on IN-207039 (SC2073) showed a strong tumor growth inhibitory effect in mouse models resistant to existing non-small cell lung cancer treatments. Both companies are currently deriving lead substances and aim to select non-clinical candidate substances in 2026.
Yuhan Corporation announced on the 29th that it presented the results of a Phase 1 trial of YH32367 (ABL105) and subsequent studies of Lecrazan (lazertinib) at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2025) held in Chicago, USA, on the 28th (local time). In the Phase 1 trial of the immuno-oncology drug YH32367, which was co-developed with ABL Bio, there were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) observed at any dose levels, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. Among 31 patients with measurable lesions, 7 showed partial responses (PR), and 10 were evaluated as having stable disease (SD), resulting in an objective response rate (ORR) of 23% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 55%. A subsequent analysis of Lecrazan showed that among the patients treated, genetic mutations related to the EGFR pathway were observed in 16% of all patients when evaluating the resistance mechanisms of Lecrazan using next-generation sequencing (NGS) at the baseline and during disease progression.
Huons Lab, a subsidiary of the Huons Group, announced on the 29th that it confirmed the potential for developing formulation modification technology using human-derived hyaluronidase at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2025) and presented research results. The company posted a presentation of formulation modification research using the recombinant human-derived hyaluronidase 'HLB3-002 (rHuPH20)'. Hyaluronidase is a substance that breaks down hyaluronic acid present under the skin, increasing the diffusion efficacy of drugs. Huons Lab is developing technology to change intravenous antibody drugs to subcutaneous formulations using hyaluronidase. The research team confirmed that when HLB3-002 and infliximab were administered in experimental rats, it significantly increased the bioavailability compared to infliximab administered alone.
D&D Pharmatech announced on the 29th that a U.S. patent registration related to its developing MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis) treatment DD01 was decided on the 28th (local time). DD01 is a long-acting GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist that D&D Pharmatech is developing, particularly recognized for its excellent effect on reducing fatty liver and has been designated as a treatment for MASH and a Fast Track drug by the U.S. FDA in March 2024. The primary evaluation criteria of the ongoing U.S. Phase 2 clinical study is 'the percentage of patients with over 30% reduction in fatty liver at week 12 compared to baseline' measured by MRI-PDFF. Given that the 12-week administration and MRI-PDFF imaging of all patients have been successfully completed as planned, results for the primary evaluation criteria are expected to be available in June.
Medytox announced on the 29th that it conducted various promotional activities, including revealing its launch plans for products approved at the end of last year, during the international conference 'ICLAS 2025' held in Bangkok, Thailand, on the 25th and 26th. Held for the fifth time this year, 'ICLAS 2025' is an international academic conference co-hosted by the Korean Society of Laser Dermatology and the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Medytox participated with its wholly-owned subsidiary 'Medytox Thailand' established in Thailand and the joint venture 'Medyceles,' setting up large booths and actively carrying out promotional activities including lectures by key opinion leaders (KOL).
ENCell announced on the 29th that it discussed research and development collaboration in the field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) with global company Thermo Fisher Scientific on the occasion of the opening of Thermo Fisher's CGT Vision Center on the 25th at ENCell's headquarters. The two corporations agreed to maximize their process development and quality control capabilities in the field of CGT to promote cooperation in the joint development of therapeutics with global competitiveness, while also exploring future expansion into a collaborative system among industry, academia, research, and hospitals. Additionally, they plan to strengthen business collaboration in the CGT sector by integrating their technologies and know-how from research and development to clinical trials.
Prestige Biopharma announced on the 29th that it has publicly unveiled the preliminary safety analysis results of its pancreatic cancer antibody drug PBP1510 in Phase 1/2a trials at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2025). This highlights the company's scientific validity and potential as an innovative First-In-Class drug for PBP1510 on the global clinical stage. In the Phase 1 trial, a total of 27 patients completed the administration, with preliminary safety analysis results of PBP1510 monotherapy revealed among 12 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients who completed early administration. The results indicated good tolerability without dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) up to a maximum dose of 6 mg/kg, and no serious adverse events were reported.
SillaJen announced on the 29th that two studies on BAL0891 conducted in collaboration with Curator were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2025). Curator is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specialized in innovative 3D organoid research. The two companies signed a collaborative research contract last year to explore the development direction of BAL0891 through confirming the synergistic effects of BAL0891 and immuno-oncology drugs using the 3D TIME (3D Tumor Immune Microenvironment) model and securing biomarkers.
MEDIPOST announced on the 29th that it held a 'Train-the-Trainer Program' inviting major opinion leaders (KOL) in the U.S. in preparation for the entry of its degenerative and recurrent traumatic arthritis treatment 'CATIS' into Phase 3 clinical trials in the U.S. The preparation program for the U.S. CATIS Phase 3 clinical trial will be conducted in two sessions in April and May, inviting authorities in the field of orthopedics in the U.S.
Robotic surgery platform company Roen Surgical announced on the 29th that it has publicly introduced Zamenix, the world's first AI-based fully robotic kidney stone surgical robot, to the U.S. market. Roen Surgical set up a booth for Zamenix at the American Urological Association (AUA) conference held in Las Vegas, USA, from the 26th to the 29th. Through this booth, Zamenix was introduced to urology experts at the site for the first time.
Dr. Now, the leading non-face-to-face medical treatment platform in South Korea, announced on the 29th that it will activate an emergency operation system during the early May holiday period to minimize medical gaps. The focus will be on building hotlines among partner hospitals and pharmacies to ensure smooth service from non-face-to-face consultations to prescription preparation and receipt of medications. Particularly, since the proportion of mild illnesses such as gastrointestinal diseases, pediatric diseases, colds, and body aches is high around the holiday period, plans are in place to check on the status of medication stocks and operating hours to minimize gaps. To alleviate patient concerns regarding diseases and medication information prior to consultations, 24-hour real-time medical consultations will be available.
Myongji Hospital announced on the 29th that it has started operating a 'Metabolism Obesity/GLP-1 Clinic' aimed at improving metabolic disorders and underlying conditions through weight loss. This clinic focuses on GLP-1-based therapies, which are gaining attention as a new paradigm in obesity treatment, professionally managing obesity accompanied by metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to simple obesity. Treatment will combine drug therapy, nutritional education, and behavioral therapy. Medications such as the injectable Wegovy and oral medications like Qsymia and Contrave, which act on blood sugar control and appetite suppression, will be prescribed according to the patient's condition.
Yonsei University Medical Center announced on the 29th that it received a total donation of 100 million won from the KMI Institute of Medical Research. This donation, created as part of the KMI Lee Gyu-Jang Future Fund, will be used equally as a development donation for the regional disabled oral healthcare center at Yonsei University Dental Hospital and the Severance Rehabilitation Hospital.