Paprica Lab, a domestic company specializing in radiation medical devices, announced on the 5th that it has begun full-scale exports to five Asian countries: Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. This marks the first case where a domestic radiation treatment auxiliary device, which had relied entirely on imports, has been recognized in overseas markets after successfully localizing production.
Until now, essential equipment such as oral appliances, boluses, and eye protectors were all foreign-made. Domestic patients and medical staff had to endure disadvantages in terms of expense and accessibility. Paprica Lab is changing the market dynamics by launching clinically validated products developed through direct involvement of active radiation oncology specialists and medical physicists in research and development. The company was founded in December 2019 by Professors Woo Hong-kyun and Kim Jung-in from Seoul National University Hospital's Department of Radiation Oncology.
This export demonstrates that the competitiveness of domestically produced products is recognized overseas as well. In Japan, it signed an exclusive contract with Anzai Medical for 'BinkieRT' and completed the registration of the medical device. BinkieRT is a device that stably fixes the position of the tongue and teeth during radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of the treatment.
In Hong Kong, it has signed a contract with KIWA and started selling samples, with plans to expand its sales network to Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Paprica Lab has manufacturing facilities that received domestic compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for medical devices and has obtained ISO 13485 international quality management system certification, demonstrating its manufacturing capabilities that meet global standards. It has also secured certifications from major regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k), European Medical Device Certification (CE-MDR), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).
Recently, it was selected for the 'Export Voucher 3rd Support Project' by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), enabling it to receive government-level export support. Based on this, it plans to speed up its global market penetration by receiving practical help in marketing, overseas certifications, and strengthening local partnerships.
A representative of Paprica Lab noted, "The fact that domestically produced products are creating a reverse export flow in a market dominated by imports is the most significant meaning of this achievement," and stated, "We will continue to enhance the competitiveness of domestically produced medical devices and strengthen research and development and global cooperation so that they can be recognized beyond Asia in North America and Europe."