- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] Transparent info, the key to vaccine trust
- by Son, Hyung Min Oct 17, 2025 06:11am
- Starting on the 15th of this month, simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and influenza perioperative vaccines has begun for older adults aged 65 and older and high-risk groups. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has informed that the rate of adverse events from simultaneous vaccination does not exceed that seen with
- Opinion
- [Op-Ed] Patients, no time left for 'new drug comb therapies'
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Oct 15, 2025 06:11am
- "My father (in his 60s), who has been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, is paying 10 million won every three weeks for combination cancer therapy that is non-reimbursed. The disaster medical expense program provided the cost. However, we feel helpless upon the news that the fund is being delayed." This is part of a public complaint file
- Opinion
- [Desk’s View] Lift botulinum toxin’s core tech designation
- by Lee, Seok-Jun Oct 14, 2025 06:40am
- Calls to lift the “national core technology” designation from botulinum toxin are rising once again &8212; and this time, the long-standing issue must be resolved. The industry has been calling for this for a long time. The demand was made in 2023, and again the following year. Yet, it remains stuck in neutral. The decision must now b
- Opinion
- [Reporter's View] 'National Core Tech' status for Botox
- by Hwang, byoung woo Sep 30, 2025 06:13am
- The discussion regarding delisting botulinum toxin as a National Core Technology continues to yield no results. Despite increasing demands from the industry, regulatory reform has not improved. The arguments for and against lifting the listing continue, and the discussion has not advanced. In a National Assembly forum on September 29,
- Opinion
- [Desk’s View] MFDS should clarify AAP safety message
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Sep 29, 2025 06:08am
- Unforeseen moves by U.S. President Donald Trump are having a considerable impact in Korea. After sudden tariff hikes rattled the Korean economy, an unexpected drug safety issue has now emerged. The domestic healthcare market, which is reliant on overseas drugs, is reeling from Trump-related risks. The controversy began on the 22nd whe
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] The gap between innovation and access
- by Son, Hyung Min Sep 26, 2025 06:12am
- Advances in medicine have created pivotal turning points in the course of human survival. Diseases once deemed incurable are gradually being reclassified as chronic conditions. From anticancer drugs to treatments for rare diseases and immunotherapies, innovative new drugs have not only prolonged patients’ lives but also increased the bur
- Opinion
- [Reporter’s View] Legislation needed for telemedicine drugs
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Sep 19, 2025 06:12am
- Discussions on institutionalizing telemedicine have progressed swiftly after the Ministry of Health and Welfare submitted its proposal at the National Assembly last month, The Lee Jae-myung administration confirmed telemedicine as a national agenda, and the Democratic Party of Korea pledged to pass a Medical Service Act amendment during t
- 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
