《Domestic pharmaceutical and bio companies are demonstrating their research and development capabilities by continuously achieving results in new drug candidate discovery, clinical progress, and large-scale technology transfer deals. In particular, they are rapidly building R&D capabilities and proving technological competitiveness in AI-based drug development, cell and gene therapies, antibody drugs, and obesity treatments. Cases of improving the efficiency of medical services through the development of AI-based hospital and clinic operation systems are notable, while medical aesthetics, together with K-beauty, is leading global trends and product innovation.》


“Leclaza,” independently developed by Yuhan Corporation, became the first domestically developed anticancer drug to pass the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) threshold in 2024 through a combination therapy with Johnson & Johnson’s “Rybrevant,” elevating the status of Korean pharmaceuticals. To create a “second and third Leclaza,” Yuhan is accelerating global clinical trials across oncology and metabolic/immune diseases, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis treatments, bispecific antibody anticancer drugs, allergy treatments, and HER2-positive solid tumor therapies.

Boryung Corp. began developing a new angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) antihypertensive drug in 1992 and, based on an investment of KRW 50 billion over 18 years, launched “Kanarb” in 2011. Boryung is expanding the Kanarb product line by developing combination therapies for hypertension and diabetes through clinical trials of fimasartan combined with dapagliflozin. “Kanarb Jet,” a treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidemia that combines fimasartan, atorvastatin, and ezetimibe, is scheduled for launch in June, and additional combination products are also planned for release.

SK bioscience relocated its headquarters and research institute to the Songdo R&PD Center in January, establishing an integrated development hub that links research (R), process development (P), and pilot production (D) as one. The 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine “GBP410,” co-developed with Sanofi, is progressing smoothly in global Phase 3 clinical trials. SK bioscience plans to sequentially submit INDs (Investigational New Drug applications) and advance into clinical stages within the year for a universal coronavirus vaccine, a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine, and an avian influenza vaccine.

GC Mediai is accelerating its transition into an AI-based “medical OS (operating system)” company. The company recently unveiled the commercialization roadmap for “Uisarang AI,” an AI-based medical practice and operations automation solution, along with its strategy to build the next-generation open platform “Uisarang AI 2.0,” with commercialization set for July. Medical staff will be able to leverage the latest medical knowledge in real time for diagnosis and prescriptions. In addition, automatic drafting of medical records and minimization of repetitive data entry will improve operational efficiency, allowing physicians to focus on patient care.

Huons Group affiliate Huons Meditech has diversified its aesthetic product lineup driven by sales growth of “Elravie Rituo.” “Esthafil,” a PDLLA filler for which Huons Meditech has secured exclusive distribution rights in Korea, has enabled the company to expand its skin booster portfolio. To address a wide range of indications, it is also developing filler products that combine collagen, polynucleotide sodium, and polylactic acid. Clinical trials for “Belpien,” a PN–hyaluronic acid (HA) composite filler, have been completed, and the company is preparing for product approval in the first half of this year.

In 2025, the best-selling multivitamin in the Korean market was “Orthomol,” which has maintained the No. 1 position for three consecutive years since 2023. Dong-A Pharmaceutical, Orthomol’s official importer in Korea, introduced the flagship product “Immun” in 2020, raising brand awareness. It subsequently expanded the lineup by launching the all-in-one multivitamins “Vital m” and “Vital f.” Orthomol is produced exclusively in Germany under strict quality control and differentiated through formulations tailored to the nutritional characteristics of Koreans.

Dongkook Pharmaceutical, together with the Korean Academy of Periodontology, designated March 24 as “Gum Day” in 2009, incorporating the phrase “Let’s love our gums every three months” (3-2-4), and has continued a gum disease prevention campaign that marks its 18th year this year. On March 27, the Korean Academy of Periodontology, Hanyang Women’s University, and Dongkook Pharmaceutical jointly conducted a “Scaling of Love” program for persons with disabilities who have difficulty visiting dental clinics. Free scaling and toothbrushing education were provided to about 100 people at the Seongbundo Welfare Center, raising awareness of the importance of oral care.

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