■ENCell, a company specializing in new drug development, announced on the 31st that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singularity Biotech, a developer of treatments for hereditary retinal diseases. ENCell plans to support Singularity Biotech's drug development by sharing its new drug development technology and global standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control (GMP) know-how. Singularity Biotech, founded by patients based on joint research results from researchers at Konyang University and Soonchunhyang University, is developing retinal organoid-derived cell therapies for the treatment of hereditary retinal diseases. The company has been selected for the jointly nurtured founders' discovery project (TIPS) last year by proving technical effectiveness through prior research data from animal experiments and is advancing its processes.
■Syntekabio announced on the 31st that it borrowed 10 billion won from financial institutions for the purpose of repaying existing debts and operating funds on the 24th. CEO Jeong Jong-seon provided 2,343,500 shares as collateral for this 10 billion won borrowing. The company plans to repay the convertible bonds (CB) worth 10 billion won issued in July 2023 with the borrowed funds.
■HLB announced on the 31st that its partner Hanseo Pharmaceutical has completed the submission of additional documents regarding the manufacturing and quality control (CMC) of the cancer drug Camrelizumab to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This report addresses three issues raised during the FDA's CMC inspection. The FDA will review this and make a final judgment on the CMC inspection findings and decide whether to approve HLB's new liver cancer drug by March. Earlier in 2023, HLB applied to the FDA for approval of its new liver cancer treatment as a primary treatment option with targeting anticancer agents ribocefinib and Hanseo Pharmaceutical's immuno-oncology drug Camrelizumab. Expectations had risen that it would be the first FDA approval for a domestic anticancer drug, but approval was halted as Hanseo Pharmaceutical received a letter requesting additional information from the FDA.
■HUGEL is launching a limited edition set in collaboration with its cosmetic brand "WELLAGE" and the popular TV animation "Bread Barber Shop." The set includes ▲Real Hyaluronic Blue 100 Ampoule 100ml ▲ Refill 75ml ▲ Sticker. The refill package design is shaped like "Wilk," one of the main characters from Bread Barber Shop, and can be decorated interestingly using the included sticker. It will be exclusively available for pre-launch at a special price on Musinsa from February 1 to 14.
■PharmaResearch announced on the 31st that it will conduct the first home shopping broadcast of its Rejulin beauty device "REJULIFT" this year at 10:40 p.m. on the 2nd. "REJULIFT" is a beauty medical device that can manage ultrasound and high-frequency care with a single device. It can provide detailed care to curved areas through a small cartridge with a diameter of about 2 cm. It was sold out in advance during the launch and encore broadcasts last year.
■Huons Meditech participated in the "Arab Health 2025," the largest medical device exhibition in the Middle East held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from the 27th to 30th, showcasing its new kidney stone crushing device "ASADAL-M1" that is poised to enter the Middle Eastern market. This product has obtained certification from the U.S. FDA and the European Medical Device Regulation (CE). CEO Lee Jin-seok of Huons Meditech noted, "We plan to focus on overseas marketing to enhance our global competitiveness through participation in international conferences and exhibitions."
■Seegene announced on the 31st that it held a Global Sales & Marketing Conference and corporate strategy meeting at its headquarters in Songpa District, Seoul, from the 21st to 23rd, where they shared the main goals and sales policies for this year. The company presented directions towards achieving revenue and profit targets, increasing expense efficiency, securing differentiated competitiveness from the customer's perspective, streamlining organization and operations, innovating organizational culture, and ensuring continuous growth through discovering new business opportunities.
■Korea AbbVie announced that it has launched the "Atopic Dermatitis Refresh Season 2 Project" starting from the 24th. This campaign is designed to correct misconceptions about atopic dermatitis and improve awareness. This year, the plan is to convey optimal treatment goals and the latest treatment information to enable patients to actively participate in their treatment process. The campaign will be conducted primarily through YouTube, blogs, and patient communities.