Drug Development Trends in South Korea
Summary
South Korea has become a significant player in the global pharmaceutical industry and drug development space, fueled by its advanced healthcare system, growing pharmaceutical sector, strong research infrastructure, and government-backed initiatives to support innovation. The country has been increasingly focusing on innovation and cutting-edge technologies, such as CGTs, as well as development of advanced therapies such as ADCs, mRNA-based treatments, and CAR-T therapies. As a result, South Korea is establishing itself as a growing hub for clinical trials and drug development, attracting global attention and investment.
In this report, GlobalData explores the key metrics shaping South Korea’s drug development landscape, including approved and pipeline drugs, the clinical trials landscape, as well as deal-making trends, to assess its impact on the global pharmaceutical industry.
Key Findings of the report include -
- South Korea’s drug development is growing, focusing on early R&D and CGTs.
- South Korea is advancing therapies like ADCs, mRNA, and CAR-T.
- The rise in drug approvals in recent years highlights South Korea’s strong regulatory support.
- South Korea’s pharma deals have slowed in recent years, but strategic alliances remain key.
- Phase I clinical trials have become the focus in South Korea, representing the largest category.
Study objectives
- To analyze South Korea’s drug development activities, including the most promising agents
- To explore the growth of CAR-T cell and ADC therapies in this market
- To examine the role of South Korea’s regulatory environment in accelerating the approval of innovative therapies
- To assess the growth in clinical trials conducted in South Korea
- To analyze deal-making activity trends
- Gain insights into South Korea’s rapidly evolving drug development landscape, including key innovative therapies.
- Understand the growth trajectory and market potential of CAR-T cell and ADC therapies in South Korea.
- Explore the impact of South Korea’s regulatory reforms on the accelerated approval.
- Stay informed on the increasing number of clinical trials conducted in South Korea.
- Identify emerging trends in deal-making activities and partnership opportunities.
- 1 Executive Summary
- 1.1 Executive Summary
- 2 Introduction
- 2.1 Study Objectives and Report Design
- 3. Drug Development Trends
- 3.1 South Korea Expanding Footprint in Global Drug Development
- 3.2 Companies Based in South Korea Making Strides in Drug Development Activity
- 3.3 Drugs by Development Stage: South Korea vs. US - 2020-25 (YDT)
- 3.4 The Most Drug Development Activity Is in Oncology, Both in the US and in South Korea
- 3.5 ADC Therapies and mRNA Therapies Dominate the Technological Advancement for Drug Development in South Korea
- 3.6 Top 10 Companies in South Korea Have About 44% of Their Pipeline Assets in Clinical-Stage
- 3.7 Surge in Approvals in 2023-24 Can Be Attributed to Strong Support from South Korea’s Regulatory Environment
- 3.8 Global Sales Forecast from South Korean Companies
- 3.9 Pharma Deal Tends in South Korea: 2015-25 (YTD)
- 3.10 Drug Approvals in South Korea (last 6 months) (1/2)
- 3.11 Drug Approvals in South Korea (last 6 months) (2/2)
- 3.12 Deal Activity by South Korean Companies: 2020-25 (YTD)
- 3.13 Company-Sponsored Clinical Trials Conducted in South Korea vs. US by Trial Start Year
- 3.14 Company-Sponsored South Korea Trials by Trial Start Year & Trial Phase
- 3.15 Sponsor Headquarters for Single-Country & Multinational Trials in South Korea
- 3.16 Single-Country & Multinational Company-Sponsored Trials by Trial Start Year
- 4 Summary of Key Findings
- 4.1 Key Takeaways
- 5 Appendix
- 5.1 Abbreviations
- 5.2 Related Reports
- 6 About the Authors
- 6.1 About the Authors
- 7 Contact Us
- 7.1 Contact US
- 7.2 A global network of offices
- 7.3 About GlobalData
- 7.4 A Connected Platform for a Dynamic World
- 7.5 Contact Us
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