■LG CHEM announced on the 14th that it has introduced a free app called 'Bloom' for couples preparing for pregnancy and women needing information on fertility preservation. The company decided on the name 'Bloom' to connect the joy of 'new life' with a pregnant woman's 'bump.' The app is composed of content approved and verified by the Korean Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Korean Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology. LG CHEM explained that before developing the app, it conducted pre-interviews with women of reproductive age and specialists to include only the information and features that they deemed necessary. The app menus include 'infertility encyclopedia,' 'fertility self-diagnosis,' and 'finding a hospital,' as well as 'step-by-step' guidance for complicated infertility procedures and a 'checklist' to confirm preparations before a hospital visit.
■GemVax announced on the 14th that a paper demonstrating the antidepressant effect of 'GV1001' was published in the international journal 'Behavioural Brain Research.' This research conducted by Professor Yoo Seong-woon and his team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) confirmed the effect of GV1001 in alleviating stress-induced depressive-like behavior and memory impairment. The antidepressant effect of GV1001 was closely related to the recovery of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress response. The study found that GV1001 contributed to restoring the balance of HPA axis function and improved various symptoms caused by depression by normalizing blood stress hormone (corticosterone) levels.
■RP Bio announced on the 14th that it is pursuing a strategy to expand its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) portfolio centered on the multifunctional raw material magnesium. This strategy aims to redefine magnesium as a 'multifunctional platform raw material' rather than a simple mineral, thereby diversifying product offerings with B2B customized solutions targeting the global market. As a CDMO specialized in high-value formulation, RP Bio plans to increase the proportion of magnesium-based product development by over 300% by 2030.
■Seoul Bio Hub announced on the 14th that it is recruiting companies to participate in the '2025 Seoul-Roche Diagnostics Startup Sprint Demo Day' in collaboration with Roche Diagnostics. The application period is until August 1st. This program aims to discover startups with technological and business potential in the bio-medical field and assist their entry into the global market through joint business development opportunities with Roche Diagnostics. Selected companies will receive research funding of 30 million won, a one-year residency opportunity at Seoul Bio Hub, and chances to partner with Roche Diagnostics experts and connect with a global network. This year, the Korea Medical Devices Development Project (KMDF) will also participate to support the 'Seoul-Roche Diagnostics Startup Sprint Demo Day.' The fields being recruited include blood-based algorithms, smart laboratories, digital pathology, digital PCR, and drug pharmacokinetics reports, totaling five.
■FromBIO announced on the 14th that it has confirmed significant hair growth-promoting effects and initial safety in a nonclinical efficacy trial of its hair loss treatment using dermal adipose-derived stem cells (dADSCs) derived from its own developed adipose-derived stem cells. Based on these results, the company has begun preparations to apply for clinical trial approval (IND). Last year, the company conducted this nonclinical trial in collaboration with the KMEDI hub. Utilizing its own technology to differentiate adipose-derived stem cells into cells specialized for hair growth, it is developing a stem cell therapy. This trial was conducted by observing the hair growth process for over three weeks after a single intradermal injection of the cells into the skin of immunodeficient mice. As a result, both visual and tissue analyses clearly confirmed the hair growth-promoting effect.
■Macrogen announced on the 14th that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Industry-University Cooperation Foundation of Hongik University Sejong Campus and the Regional Innovation Center (RISE). This agreement aims to combine the university's research capabilities with Macrogen's advanced bio-technology to lead industrial innovation in the Sejong area and contribute to the revitalization of the economy through the designation of opportunity development zones. The two institutions agreed to closely cooperate on a wide range of areas, including the joint planning and promotion of RISE system and opportunity development zone demand-customized support projects, joint research and technology development in the bio field, nurturing industry-customized talents, and building information exchange and mutual cooperation networks. In particular, it is expected to create synergies in the development and commercialization of next-generation bio technologies by combining Macrogen's genomic analysis, bio big data, and AI technologies with the converged research capabilities of Hongik University Sejong Campus.
■CAREGEN announced on the 14th that its orally administered weight loss health functional food 'Korglutide' based on GLP-1 peptides has entered the markets of the Middle East and Central America. Recently, the company received official registration for Korglutide as a health functional food from the Ministry of Public Health of Lebanon. This is the first case of an oral GLP-1 analog-based peptide registered as a health functional food. At the same time, CAREGEN signed a supply contract worth $42 million (580 million won) with the Mexican pharmaceutical company IFA Celtics. IFA Celtics, established in 1965, is a leading Mexican pharmaceutical company that supplies 85 brands and over 240 products through its national distribution network, maintaining a high market share in the metabolic disease sector, including obesity treatments since the 2000s.
■Keeps Biomed, a subsidiary of Keeps Biopharma, announced on the 14th that its oral peptide drug delivery platform 'Oraloid™' achieved 40 times higher absolute bioavailability (oral absorption rate) compared to oral WegoVi (product name, Rybelsus) in preclinical trials on primates. Rybelsus, which utilizes a platform technology called 'SNAC,' had an absolute bioavailability of only 0.4% to 1% in human trials. 'Absolute bioavailability' analyzes the oral absorption rate compared to intravenous injection (IV), providing a more accurate assessment than the 'relative bioavailability' typically compared to subcutaneous injection (SC). When entering human clinical trials, absolute bioavailability becomes an important criterion. Lee Yong-kyu, CEO of Keeps Biomed, noted, "We expect to confirm the results of the oral GLP-1 preclinical trials in primates soon."
■Kyungnam Pharm announced on the 14th that it will launch three types of over-the-counter drugs in the 'Sedacue Up Series,' which are effective in alleviating symptoms based on various cold symptoms. The company has renewed the existing 'Sedacue' to introduce the 'Sedacue Up Series,' strengthening its product lineup. This product features increased acetaminophen content compared to before, enhancing ingredients for cough suppression and phlegm discharge to work more effectively in alleviating various cold symptoms. The 'Sedacue Up Series' includes customized cold medicines available based on symptoms: 'Sedacue Up Cold Soft Capsule' for general cold, 'Sedacue Up Cough Soft Capsule' for throat cold, and 'Sedacue Up Nose Soft Capsule' for nasal cold. Adults aged 15 and older can take 2 capsules at a time, while those aged 8 to under 15 can take 1 capsule 30 minutes after meals, three times a day.
■The Jaseng Oriental Medical Hospital's Spine and Joint Research Institute announced on the 14th that it has published research results demonstrating the immune recovery effect of the traditional herbal prescription 'Gagam Palmul-tang' in the international journal 'Applied Sciences.' Palmul-tang is a traditional prescription composed of eight herbal medicines that replenish vital energy and enhance immune function. It has long been used to improve fatigue and weakness due to anemia, chronic diseases, and immune deficiency. Dr. Hong Jin-young's research team used the Gagam Palmul-tang, which consists of a total of 14 herbal medicines including angelica, ginseng, licorice, and poria. In experiments conducted with immunosuppressive agent cyclophosphamide (CPA) on mice with decreased immune function, the IL-10 levels were approximately three times higher compared to the immunosuppressed group, showing a strong immune recovery effect.
■Medytox Aesthetics announced on the 14th that it has selected actress Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho as the new APAC ambassadors for its next-generation ultrasound lifting device 'Ultherapy PRIME®' at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Grand Ballroom on the 11th and revealed a new campaign. Medytox plans to continue the campaign 'See My Skin, Lift My Way' targeting the Asia-Pacific region to promote the value of Ultherapy PRIME® along with ambassadors Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho.
■Dong-A Pharmaceutical announced on the 14th that the '2025 Bacchus Cup SBS GOLF National Student Golf Team Championships,' sponsored by the company, successfully concluded. About 230 students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Korea participated in this competition, engaging in fierce competition for championships. The competition was held in divisions for 12 years and under, 15 years and under, and 18 years and under, conducted in a stroke play format over two days with 36 holes, 18 holes per day. The 12 and 15 years' under team competition was composed of two members per team, with the boys' team under 12 from Jeju winning and the girls' team under 12 from Sejong winning, while the boys' team under 15 from Gyeonggi and the girls' team from Busan took the top spots. The team competition for those under 18 was composed of three players per team, and rankings were determined by summing the scores of the two players with the lowest scores. The boys' team under 18 from Gyeonggi and the girls' team from Gyeongbuk won.
■Dong-A Pharmaceutical announced on the 14th that the Mary Orchestra regular concert, sponsored by Dong-A and organized by the Mary association (CEO Park Joo-young), was successfully held at the Bucheon Art Center Concert Hall on the 13th. This concert was conducted under the theme of 'Universe.' About 100 performers participated, including the Mary Orchestra and the Mary Choir, presenting the complete suite 'The Planets' by British composer Gustav Holst and various film music, providing great emotional experiences to the audience.
■Seoul Asan Medical Center announced on the 14th that a new book titled 'Today, I Am a Nurse,' capturing the voices of 53 nurses, has been published. The book is structured into four chapters: the essence of nursing, the meaning of nursing, the power of nursing, and the synergy of nursing. Nurses shared their heartfelt thoughts on their commitment to patients, their sense of duty as professionals, their philosophy on nursing, memorable moments shared with patients, and their growth as nurses.
■Chung Ang University Hospital announced on the 14th that Professor Lee Hyun-kyung of the Department of Pediatrics has released evidence-based clinical guidelines for standardizing the treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome patients in Korea. This guideline was developed as part of a study funded by the Lee Kun-hee pediatric cancer and rare disease overcoming project. Pediatric nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in children, characterized by severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and generalized edema. It primarily occurs in children aged 2 to 6 years, with a prevalence of 1.4 to 6.1 per 100,000 population. The guideline includes specific content that can be utilized in clinical practice for patients under 18 years diagnosed with steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome regarding the types, doses, treatment duration of steroids, and criteria for using supportive medications.
■Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 14th that it held a '10th Anniversary Ceremony of the Dementia Brain Bank' at the Yoon Deok-byeong Hall of the Biomedical Research Institute. This event was organized to review the growth and achievements of the past decade and to share a vision for future innovations in biobanks and overcoming brain diseases. The dementia brain bank has played a crucial role in the stable collection, management, and distribution of brain resources for pathological research and diagnostic technology development for various degenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and Lewy body dementia, contributing to the establishment of the domestic brain research ecosystem and biobank network.