■ Daewoong Pharmaceutical said on the 30th it has applied to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency for approval of Enblo Pet, a diabetes treatment for companion dogs. Enblo Pet expels sugar through urine. The company said it can lower dependence on insulin and stably manage blood sugar. The company plans to fully enter the animal new drug business going forward.
■ Celltrion said on the 30th that its bone disease treatment "Stoboclo-Osenbelt" has obtained interchangeability status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Interchangeability means a pharmacy can dispense a biosimilar (biologic drug copy) in place of the original drug without a physician's intervention. The original drug of Stoboclo-Osenbelt, Floria-Xgeva, recorded 920 billion won in global sales last year. A company official said, "With substitution possible at the pharmacy level, market competitiveness will be strengthened."
■ Dong-A Socio Group said on the 30th it recently held the 43rd Marronnier Women's Writing Contest in Jongno District, Seoul. The Marronnier Women's Writing Contest began in 1983. Any woman can choose poetry, prose, or children's literature and write. Awards were given to 29 people, including grand prize, excellence prize, encouragement prize, and honorable mention. The company held the contest to promote women's literature.
■ Dongkook Pharmaceutical said on the 30th it has unveiled the skin booster Madekiel. It is composed of Dongkook Pharmaceutical's Madeca and chitosan. It combines standardized extract of Centella asiatica with high-purity chitosan-based LTG (Liquid To Gel) technology.
■ Medytox said on the 30th that its cosmetic brand Neuraderm will take part in a beauty event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul through the 2nd of next month. Under the theme of science that touches the skin, products tailored to an individual's skin condition will be prescribed at the booth. Visitors can experience Core Time Ampoule and derma cream, which help improve elasticity and wrinkles.
■ JW Life Science and Health said on the 30th it discussed mid- to long-term cooperation plans with New Zealand company Endeavour Consumer Limited. The company developed the shoe deodorizer Gran's Remedy. The company's Benjamin Cull, head of marketing, and Kelly du Preez, global key accounts manager, visited JW's headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi.
■ The National Academy of Medicine of Korea said on the 30th it opposes allowing traditional Korean medicine doctors to use X-rays. It issued a statement after a proposed amendment to the Medical Service Act sought to allow traditional Korean medicine doctors to use X-rays, which had been regarded as within physicians' scope. The academy said, "It could undermine the fundamental principles of the national health and radiation safety management system," adding, "Operation of diagnostic radiation and system improvements must undergo academic review and expert consensus."