- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] Real test begins for K-CDMOs
- by Son, Hyung Min Sep 15, 2025 06:01am
- In the midst of global supply chain restructuring, Korea’s CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) and CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) industries are emerging as new growth drivers for the biopharmaceutical sector. The shift away from China is acting as an opportunity factor, while independent achievements base
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Interest Rate Cuts and Investment Revival
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Sep 9, 2025 06:13am
- Will the long wait finally come to an end? With growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will lower its benchmark interest rate, optimism is rising that frozen investor sentiment could finally thaw. The Korean pharmaceutical and biotech sector, particularly bio-ventures with strained finances, has endured severe challenges. As e
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Approval-to-reimbursement takes only 6 mth
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Sep 8, 2025 06:15am
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has been operating the 'Global Innovative products on Fast Track (GIFT)' since 2022. GIFT is a 'Program Supporting the Expedited Review of Global Innovative Products' launched by the MFDS, aiming to quickly launch medicines for life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, and rare diseases, as well a
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] Be aware, be prepared
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Sep 3, 2025 06:10am
- Even if it seems premature, there is nothing wrong with being prepared. Following the Trump administration’s executive order on the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) drug pricing policy, the deadline for major multinational pharmaceutical CEOs to submit their proposed drug price reduction plans is fast approaching&8212;September 29. The MFN drug
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] New opportunities have emerged for K-Bio
- by Son, Hyung Min Sep 1, 2025 06:04am
- In the global antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market, the rapid rise of Chinese pharmaceutical companies is being noticed. Just five to six years ago, China was considered a 'technology follower.' However, with massive capital and swift clinical development, it has quickly become a key player in the global market. Chinese pharmaceutical com
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Innovativeness and trust in healthcare AI
- by Whang, byung-woo Aug 29, 2025 06:07am
- As the innovation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is robustly developed in the healthcare sector, concerns related to both utilization and implementation are arising. In Korea, the cost required for AI utilization in medical institutions is considered the number one priority for discussion. Additionally, 'awareness' has also been brought
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] Addressing the Drug Shortage Issue
- by Kim JiEun Aug 28, 2025 06:09am
- With the bill that revises the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, centered on simplifying generic substitution notifications, recently passing the NA Health and Welfare Committee's Legislative Subcommittee review, the Korean Medical Association readily voiced its opposition. This amendment primarily expands the scope of post-substitution notific
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Double standard against natural medicines
- by Kim, Jin-Gu Aug 22, 2025 06:06am
- The government announced the '4th New Natural Product Drug Development Promotion Plan' in May 2024. The plan outlines a joint effort by seven ministries, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Rural Devel
- Opinion
- [Desk View] Can NHI alone cover the costs of cancer drugs?
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Aug 20, 2025 06:23am
- The reimbursement claim amount submitted for anti-cancer drugs has been increasing robustly every year. According to the '2024 Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Claims Data' published by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, drug expenditure for cancer diseases in 2024 amounted to KRW 4.1372 trillion, a 7.4% increase from KRW 3.850
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Innovation exists in treating all diseases
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Aug 20, 2025 06:23am
- When discussing Korea’s insurance reimbursement system, the qualifier “life-threatening” has long been a source of frustration. It is no exaggeration to say that, for the pharmaceutical industry, this phrase has been the number one target for removal since the very beginning. This was the case in determining eligibility for the Risk Sh
