Daewoong Pharmaceutical's self-developed botulinum toxin 'Nabota' has officially entered the Middle Eastern key country of Qatar. This secures all three countries along the Gulf coast, which are major targets of 'K-beauty', following Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Botulinum toxin is a protein extracted from the food poisoning bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which causes muscle paralysis, reducing muscles and smoothing wrinkles. Daewoong Pharmaceutical recently held a symposium to celebrate the launch of Nabota, inviting about 200 local medical professionals in Doha, Qatar.
Qatar is one of the world's high-income countries. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Qatar's per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is about $80,000 (about 110 million won) this year, and the interest in beauty and plastic surgery is high, leading to rapidly increasing demand for premium toxins. In particular, Qatar plays a hub role in the Middle East and North Africa region alongside the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This is why Nabota's entry is strategically important.
Koo Bon-cheol, director of Naum Dermatology, noted, "Nabota shows effects quickly and precisely, making it particularly suitable for procedures that finely contour the face, like 'NaboLift'. The interest from medical professionals in the Middle East was much hotter than expected."
NaboLift is a procedure developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical that involves micro-injecting botulinum toxin into the skin layer to enhance elasticity and promote wrinkle improvement and collagen production.
With its entry into Qatar, Daewoong Pharmaceutical plans to accelerate its market penetration in the Middle East alongside the UAE. The strategy is to enhance brand recognition by leading with its proprietary procedures and to expand collaboration with local partner companies.
Yoon Jun-soo, head of the Nabota business division at Daewoong Pharmaceutical, said, "Qatar is a country with significant symbolism and influence in the Middle East. Based on Nabota's quality competitiveness and unique procedural method, we will achieve solid growth across the Middle East."