We are developing a candidate for an allergy treatment to follow the new lung cancer drug Leclaza.
A representative of Yuhan met at Bio Korea 2026, the country's largest biohealth industry event held on the morning of the 28th at COEX in Gangnam District, Seoul, said this. Yuhan is conducting a phase 2 clinical trial of the allergy treatment candidate Lesigercept in 150 patients with urticaria. It is also developing a candidate treatment for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), commonly called "fatty liver."
Bio Korea, which opened that day, will run for four days until the 30th. Under the theme "Innovation and breakthrough, a better future," 775 corporations from 59 countries are participating. It is regarded as a venue to grasp the latest new drug development trends, hold business meetings with client companies, and explore collaboration opportunities. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and hosted by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute and North Chungcheong Province, among others.
At the Bio Korea exhibition hall, 299 corporations set up booths. Kyongbo Pharmaceutical, an affiliate of Chong Kun Dang pharmaceutical, jumped into the race to win contracts for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) contract development and manufacturing (CMDO) that day. ADC is a technology that attaches a drug to an antibody to precisely treat cancer cells, often called a "guided missile that catches cancer cells."
Kyongbo Pharmaceutical opened an ADC research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, at the end of last year and is currently building an ADC plant in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, investing 96 billion won. A Kyongbo Pharmaceutical representative said, "Even if a client has only the antibody, we can support drug combination," adding, "Initial research can be supported at the Yongin center, and production is possible at the Asan plant."
Swiss company Lonza also set up a booth and introduced its contract development and manufacturing for ADCs. A Lonza representative said, "We participated in the event to expand various business opportunities in Korea," adding, "As we have supported production of 70% to 80% of currently commercialized ADC products, we can provide services based on extensive experience."
In addition, GC Cell, an affiliate of Green Cross, also sought to win contracts for contract development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. Cell and gene therapies are next-generation medicines that fundamentally cure diseases by modifying a patient's cells or genes. A GC Cell representative said, "We plan to hold business meetings with domestic and overseas corporations."
Global pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson sought collaboration opportunities with K-bio startups. It introduced that it can support research and development and connect investment through its startup support program JLABS. For Johnson & Johnson, embracing external technologies and ideas can increase the likelihood of new drug development. It is part of the industry's popular "open innovation" strategy.
A business partner program, where corporations, investors and research institutes meet to discuss joint research and investment attraction, features 128 booths. Germany's Bayer, U.S.-based Eli Lilly and Company, Switzerland's Roche, SK bioscience, LG Chem and Dongwha Pharm are participating. Reflecting corporate demand for domestic and international cooperation, the number of booths was increased from 68 last year. An academic event discussing overseas market entry strategies and biohealth investment trends was also prepared.
Jeong Kyung-sil, director general for health care policy at the ministry, said at the opening ceremony that day, "It is a symbolic venue to show overseas that Korea has the capability to leap forward as a bio-centered nation," adding, "We will support K-pharmaceuticals and bio industries so they can leap into the world's top five."