The quantity acquired by home pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporations in milestone funds this yr has greater than doubled in contrast with two years in the past. As milestones are funds made to the unique expertise developer at every stage of commercialization – reminiscent of medical approvals and advertising authorizations – that is interpreted as an indication that new drug growth is progressing easily. It’s also seen as proof of qualitative development, as South Korean drug applied sciences are being validated within the world market.
Based on an evaluation by The Seoul Financial Every day on Dec. 25 of disclosures filed by listed home pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporations over the previous three years from 2023 to 2025, milestone funds acquired this yr totaled at the very least 185.5 billion received (roughly $128.22 million). Milestone receipts by listed home corporations stood at 82.7 billion received in 2023 and 151.7 billion received final yr, marking a 124.3% surge in contrast with two years earlier.
Market observers view the rise in milestone funds, together with the truth that the full worth of expertise export contracts by home pharmaceutical and biotech corporations is predicted to surpass 20 trillion received this yr, as proof of qualitative development. Lee Seung-kyou, vice chairman of the Korea Biotechnology Trade Group, stated, “The event of homegrown new drug candidates is progressing easily, strengthening belief within the world market,” including, “With continued growth, validated compounds might quickly be commercialized, as was the case with Lazertinib, often known as Leclaza in South Korea.”
Nevertheless, the variety of corporations receiving milestone funds stays restricted, with 9 corporations this yr and 16 over the previous three years, indicating a focus amongst a small group of corporations. This means {that a} clear distinction is rising between corporations which are delivering tangible outcomes after expertise exports and people that aren’t.
