Samsung Bioepis Invests 20 Billion Won in G2GBio to Develop Obesity Drug; Celltrion Leads Japan Shares

 
Samsung Bioepis has moved into obesity drug development with a 20 billion won investment in G2GBio.

Samsung Bioepis and EpisNex Lab, both subsidiaries of Samsung Epis Holdings, said they signed a joint research and licensing agreement with G2GBio on March 16 to develop obesity treatments.

The deal aims to develop long-acting obesity drugs and secure platform technology using G2GBio’s microsphere-based drug-delivery technology.

Samsung Bioepis will receive exclusive development rights to two candidates, including a long-acting semaglutide-based obesity treatment, and will pay an upfront fee and development-stage milestones. EpisNex Lab will conduct joint research with G2GBio to build a long-acting drug-delivery platform.

The companies also agreed on a right of first negotiation to develop three additional new drug candidates. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Samsung Epis Holdings also said it will invest in 20 billion won worth of convertible bonds issued by G2GBio, establishing cooperation that includes both technology collaboration and financial investment.
     
Celltrion said its oncology products are leading the market in Japan, a key pharmaceutical market in Asia, backed by strong prescribing results.

IQVIA data show that as of December last year, Vegzelma (bevacizumab), used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer and breast cancer, held a 58% share in Japan.

Celltrion attributed the momentum to earlier performance by Herzuma (trastuzumab), a breast and gastric cancer treatment. As of the same period, Herzuma held a 76% share in Japan.

Herzuma was first launched in Japan in 2019, and prescriptions have steadily increased since it won approval in August that year for a three-week dosing regimen that extended the dosing interval.

Celltrion’s autoimmune disease treatments have also gained ground in Japan. Remsima (infliximab) and Yuflyma (adalimumab) posted shares of 43% and 17%, respectively, the highest prescription volumes among biosimilars, the company said.

Celltrion said it expects the performance in Japan to continue. After launching Stekima (ustekinumab) in August last year, it plans to add another autoimmune treatment, Aptozma (tocilizumab), in Japan in the second quarter of this year.
   
Hanmi Science, the holding company of Hanmi Group, said March 16 it has launched a children’s balanced nutrition drink, TenTen Kids Nutrition, along with its in-house character, Tendungi.

The product is designed to balance the three major nutrients needed for children’s growth — carbohydrates, protein and fat — and contains 19 vitamins and minerals, the company said.

It also includes EPA and DHA, described as brain components, at about 10% of the daily recommended intake to make daily nutrition easier to consume in a busy routine.

Hanmi Science said the drink is formulated with 2 grams of sugar and includes 7 grams of complete protein, making it suitable as a snack or supplement. It uses cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor aimed at improving children’s acceptance for daily use.

The company said TenTen Kids Nutrition contains 10 billion postbiotic cells and has received a quality certification for children’s preferred foods. Hanmi Science said it manages everything from ingredient selection to manufacturing under strict quality standards.
   
Dongkook Pharmaceutical said it held its dkma symposium on March 14 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul.

The symposium was organized to share procedure strategies and combination-treatment know-how that can be used in clinical settings, based on key products from the company’s medical aesthetics brand, it said.

In the first session, Lee Yong-haeng, director of Wellga Clinic, served as chair. Ahn Seong-hwan, director of Gangnam Yonsei Line Clinic, presented a strategy using the DCA fat-dissolving injection Millifit to improve submental fat for a smoother facial contour. Kim Geon-woo, director of Cellinic Clinic, shared clinical experience with Madecaiel, discussing synergy between EBD procedures and a skin booster containing Centella asiatica extract and chitosan.

In the second session, Yoo Jae-uk, director of Baromi Clinic, served as chair. Lee Dong-jin, director of BLS Clinic, discussed improving facial harmony using HA fillers and botulinum toxin, explaining contour correction through combined procedures using Bellast and Bienox. Jo Chang-hwan, director of Dongan Center Clinic, presented clinical cases of the new product Inhillo under the theme “new possibilities for HA skin boosters.”

A Dongkook Pharmaceutical MA marketing official said the company plans to continue strengthening the dkma brand’s expertise and competitiveness through academic exchanges with medical professionals.
 

Asan Medical Center said March 16 that QWER donated 30 million won to support pediatric patients. The donation came from proceeds of a flea market the group organized with fans last month.

The effort began after QWER was contacted by a child fan hospitalized at the center’s Children’s Hospital, the hospital said. After learning the child’s story, QWER visited the hospital to offer encouragement and spent time with pediatric cancer patients during an art activity.

QWER said, “We are grateful that the flea market proceeds prepared with fans can help, even in a small way, with children’s treatment,” adding, “We sincerely hope the children overcome their illness and achieve the dreams they want.”

The hospital said it plans to use the funds to improve clinical facilities and the medical environment for pediatric and adolescent patients, and to support home medical care for critically ill children and psychological healing programs.