Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 15th that it has opened the 'Seoul National University Hospital Global R&D Hub Center (Boston Office)' in Boston, USA. This opening marks the establishment of the first global base specializing in advanced bio research and technology commercialization by Seoul National University Hospital, which is expected to serve as a significant turning point in accelerating the global expansion of K-Bio. The Boston Office is the third U.S. office following the LA Office (2008) and New York Office (2012) supported by Seoul National University Hospital. Located in the Cambridge Innovation Center, the world's largest bio cluster, it will be the first global base dedicated to research and development and technology commercialization. The CIC is home to over 1,000 bio and pharmaceutical corporations, as well as world-class research institutions such as Moderna, Pfizer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Celltrion announced on the 15th that it is the only domestic bio corporation selected among the global top 5% in the biotechnology sector of the 'Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA)' organized by global credit rating agency S&P Global. CSA is an ESG assessment conducted on approximately 7,690 corporations worldwide to select top companies by industry and list them in the 'Sustainability Yearbook 2025,' with separate trophies awarded to the top 1%, 5%, and 10% of corporations. Celltrion achieved the highest score among domestic companies in sustainable management competitiveness in the biotechnology sector, securing a place in the top 5%. Only five companies globally are within the top 5% in the biotechnology sector.
Korea MSD, the Korean branch of U.S. Merck (MSD), announced on the 15th that it will launch a new advertising campaign for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 'Gardasil 9,' showcasing it through TV and online video services (OTT). The new campaign centers on the message, 'An opportunity to protect against cancer, now,' raising awareness that HPV-related diseases can commonly infect both men and women, while emphasizing the need for vaccination based on empathy for precious relationships such as those with children and partners. The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 96.7% of related cancers, making vaccination recommended for adolescents and adult males and females, particularly for those in their 20s who are sexually active and women under 45 who require more proactive prevention.
First Biotherapeutics announced on the 15th its participation in the 'LITE' consortium of the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), a Parkinson's disease research foundation established by Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox in 2000. The consortium was launched in October of last year to accelerate the development of Parkinson's disease treatments focusing on the currently prominent LRRK2 gene. Dario Alessi, a leading authority on LRRK2 research from the University of Dundee in the UK, is leading the consortium, which includes over 12 global corporations and more than 30 research institutions and clinical centers. First Biotherapeutics plans to develop differentiated next-generation LRRK2 treatments through its participation in the LITE consortium.
Dongwha Pharm announced on the 15th that it has donated the proceeds from the 127th anniversary edition of its flagship product, 'Hwalmyungsu,' launched last year, to the 'Water Campaign to Save Lives.' The donation ceremony held at the Korean Red Cross Seoul Branch was attended by Dongwha Pharm OTC Marketing Executive Kim Dae-hyun and Korean Red Cross Seoul Branch Chairman Kwon Young-kyu. Like last year, the donated funds will be used to improve and supply sanitary facilities in the Sankhuvasava area of Nepal and to support health and hygiene education and campaign activities for local residents. Hwalmyungsu (revive life, vital water), the first pharmaceutical product in Korea and the longest-running brand, has served as 'the water that saves lives' of the people since 1897. The campaign, which embodies the value and philosophy of Hwalmyungsu, has donated all proceeds from the anniversary editions each year to help children in water-scarce countries, marking its 12th anniversary this year.
Big Think Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Kips Biopharma, announced on the 15th that it will officially start selling 'MUCOSAMIN®,' an oral treatment for mucositis in cancer and diabetes patients, which holds the Asian rights, in Taiwan. The company expects to generate at least 3 billion won in additional annual revenue through international market expansion. According to Big Think, the local partner, Taiwanese mid-sized pharmaceutical company CHIFU, obtained approval and sales licenses for the MUCOSAMIN spray and mouthwash formulations from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) on the 3rd of last month. It is expected that the initial shipment will be confirmed and export sales will begin as early as next month. MUCOSAMIN is an oral liquid that helps to prevent and treat mucositis, which causes pain due to inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical announced on the 15th that its 'Jordan Children's Toothbrush' has ranked first in domestic sales for four consecutive years. According to market research agency Nielsen Korea, among online and offline sales channels, the Jordan Step Series toothbrush recorded the highest market share in the children's toothbrush category from October 2020 to December 2024, maintaining the top position for four years. The representative product, the 'Step Series' toothbrush, is scientifically designed considering the oral structure and brushing habits of infants at different age ranges, composed of Step 1 for ages 0-2, Step 2 for ages 3-5, Step 3 for ages 6-9, and a green clean version of Step 1, which is eco-friendly. The brush handles feature various character designs that children like, and especially the rounded teething shape of Step 1’s handle is designed for children to hold and use, aiding in gum development and the formation of brushing habits.
Hanlim University Sacred Heart Hospital announced on the 15th that it has established a 'Department of Intensive Care Medicine' to strengthen care for seriously ill patients. The hospital has recently built a stable care system in response to the increasing number of elderly, cancer, and severely operated patients, forming the Department of Intensive Care Medicine with independent medical staff experienced in intensive patient care, including respiratory medicine, nephrology, and neurology. In the future, it plans to recruit additional medical personnel from various fields such as surgery and cardiology to operate with a total of more than 10 specialists. The Department of Intensive Care Medicine will integrate management of all intensive care units within the hospital, enhancing the continuity and intensity of care for critically ill patients. Particularly, specialized physicians will be designated for each field, such as respiratory, renal, and neurological, to provide customized care for each severely ill patient.