Celltrion announced on the 26th that it has decided to allocate 0.04 new shares per common share for a free capital increase to enhance shareholder value. The listing date for the new shares is set for July 25 this year, and the new share allocation record date (the date of closure of the shareholder registry) is June 10. The scale of the free capital increase is 8,477,626 shares, which was determined considering the quantity of treasury shares previously purchased from the market, thus minimizing the burden on the circulating shares. The preliminary results for Celltrion's second quarter are expected to be announced on the scheduled listing date of July 25. Free capital increases are evaluated as a more proactive method for returning value to shareholders, as they can share the additional benefits of value increase with shareholders when free shares are listed, compared to the burning of treasury shares. Accordingly, shareholders can expect an approximately 4% stock dividend effect from the free capital increase.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical noted on the 26th that the phase 2 clinical trial of its innovative new drug "efeger glucagon (HM15136)" for the treatment of congenital hyperinsulinemia, developed as the world's first once-weekly formulation, is progressing smoothly. From May 10 to 13 (local time), the company participated in the joint academic conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark, by the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Endocrine Society (ESE), where it presented the interim analysis results of the phase 2 clinical trial for "efeger glucagon" as a treatment for congenital hyperinsulinemia, both in oral and poster presentations. Congenital hyperinsulinemia is a rare disease that causes excessive insulin secretion, leading to hypoglycemia, affecting 1 in 25,000 to 50,000 people, with about 300 new patients diagnosed each year in the United States and Europe.
Seoul Bio Hub announced on the 26th that it is recruiting participating corporations for the "Open Innovation Phase 3 Program" in collaboration with Celltrion from the 26th to the 30th of next month. Seoul Bio Hub is a bio-medical startup support platform established by the city of Seoul and co-operated by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Korea University. This program targets bio-medical startups that are within eight years of establishment, focusing on potential collaborations related to Celltrion's technology needs. The supported technology areas include antibodies, small molecules, peptides, microbiomes, cell and gene therapies, drug delivery platforms, and new drug development platforms. Selected corporations will receive support for about one year from the Open Innovation incubation program, after which the feasibility of practical collaboration, such as joint research or investment with Celltrion, will be determined through a final evaluation meeting.
SK Chemicals announced on the 26th that it has hosted a "Family Invitation Event" as part of the "ECO Lab VIBE" program at the Seongnam Eco Lab in collaboration with SK Plasma and SK bioscience. ECO Lab VIBE is an interactive in-house program designed to allow members to experience happiness in the workplace. This event was organized for families to directly experience the workplace of employees, understand the meaning and vision of the company and its business, and expand their interaction with members' families. Participating families indirectly experienced their daily lives at work through a stamp tour exploring welfare facilities such as office spaces, rooftop gardens, rest areas, and gyms.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical announced on the 26th that it has launched two types of "MiniMax Lab Height Growth Solution Powder" (chocolate flavor and strawberry flavor) to help children grow taller. This new product uses "lactic acid bacteria fermented oyster extract (FGO)" as the main ingredient, which was recently recognized for its height growth functionality by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This ingredient has data showing that children who consumed lactic acid bacteria fermented oyster extract grew an additional 0.87 cm in height after 24 weeks compared to those who did not consume it, based on human application tests conducted on Korean children. Furthermore, the product is designed to consider both height growth and bone health, containing nutrients beneficial for bone health such as vitamin D, vitamin K, and manganese.
HK inno.N announced on the 26th that it will be conducting a collaboration event with Netmarble for the popular MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) "Raven 2" featuring Huhgye Water and Condition Pills. The event rewards all participants who purchase the Huhgye Water-Raven 2 collaboration edition or Condition Pill-Raven 2 special pack with game items. During the event, three special game items that can only be seen during the collaboration will be provided. The awarded items include the "Huhgye Water Surprise Box," a random item comprising help for hunting, and the crafting item "Huhgye Fruit."
Ildong Pharmaceutical announced on the 26th that it has been selected as the target corporation for the "2025 Smart Eco-Factory Construction Project" implemented by the Korea Environmental Corporation under the Ministry of Environment. The "Smart Eco-Factory Construction Project" supports facility improvements for eco-friendly transitions, such as reducing greenhouse gases and pollutants, aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized corporations in the country. Ildong Pharmaceutical applied for this project early this year as part of its expansion and advancement of "ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management" and began full-scale renovation of its Cheongju factory this month, following the Korea Environmental Corporation's screening and selection processes. The company plans to focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing pollution substances such as waste, ensuring safety and health at business sites, and harmonizing with the local community.
SHINPOONG announced on the 26th that its health supplement brand AdMiles has surpassed cumulative sales of 3 million capsules of "Lutein Zeaxanthin," launched in April last year. AdMiles Lutein Zeaxanthin is a health supplement recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety that helps maintain macular pigment density, which can decline due to aging. Notably, it is characterized as a 10mm ultra-small plant-based mini capsule that can be easily consumed anywhere and is produced in a GMP-certified manufacturing facility meeting excellent health supplement manufacturing standards.
Roche Diagnostics Korea announced on the 26th that it has launched the "Perfect Check Plus" campaign to raise awareness of cervical cancer screening among women in their 2030s at Hanyang University, coinciding with the third week of May, which is "Cervical Cancer Prevention Week." This campaign is an extension of the "Perfect Check" campaign that started last year at Sookmyung Women's University and was planned to expand to co-educational universities this year, based on the necessity for improved awareness among both men and women, and aims to engage more broadly with the 2030 generation and enhance participation rates in cervical cancer screenings.
Enzychem Lifesciences announced on the 26th that it has obtained a patent from the Korean Intellectual Property Office for a new immune-modulating substance targeting inflammatory immune diseases, based on a glycerol derivative (Chemical Formula 3). The newly patented immune modulator selectively regulates the overexpression of major inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, and CXCL8 (IL-8), making it an effective next-generation new drug candidate for the treatment of various immune diseases. This substance is structurally stable and designed based on biocompatible components with low toxicity, with potential development as an acute inflammation treatment or a sustained immune modulator.
Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital announced on the 26th that it has expanded its intensive care unit by adding 23 beds and introducing the latest medical equipment. The number of intensive care beds has increased from 69 to 92, including 2 negative pressure isolation rooms, significantly improving the capacity to accommodate patients with conditions such as heart failure, respiratory failure, sepsis, acute kidney failure, and hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, a high-performance HEPA filtration ventilation system has been established to strengthen the infection management system, and measures have been taken to widen the spacing between beds, creating a safe and comfortable treatment environment.
CHA University announced on the 26th that it has appointed Professor Kim Dong-hyun (Department of Dermatology, Bundang CHA Hospital) as the new dean of its medical graduate school. Dean Kim graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine and completed his training at Bundang CHA Hospital, then worked as a lecturer in dermatology at Sinchon Severance Hospital. He joined Bundang CHA Hospital in 2007 and has served as the head of the Clinical Trial Center and Clinical Director. From 2012 to 2014, he researched anti-aging treatments using skin stem cells at LOEX (Laboratoire d'Organogenese Experimentale) in Canada, and has been active in academic societies both domestically and internationally, serving as a committee member of the Korean Dermatological Association and a planning director of the Korean Psoriasis Society.