Analysis

Despite short‑term stock pressure from interest rates and supply issues, Korean pharma and biotech companies are pursuing M&A, tech exports and capacity investments, boosting fundamentals, says a Mirae Asset report.

Asia’s biotech ecosystem, bolstered by government investment and regulatory reforms, now accounts for about 43% of the global innovative therapy pipeline, shifting R&D focus from the US and Europe.

The Korean Pharmaceutical Distribution Association and Paju city have signed an MOU to develop a 100,000‑pyeong pharmaceutical and biotech logistics complex within the Paju Peace Economic Zone.

Venture capital invested over $9 billion in biotech this year, with more than $3.9 billion directed to cancer and immune‑disease drug developers, accounting for over 40% of deals.

Six biotech firms from Chungcheongbuk-do, supported by KBIOHealth, reported $40.59 million in export discussions and $1 million in investment talks at BIO USA 2026 in San Diego.

Korea’s pharma/bio sector lagged the H1 market rally but fundamentals remain solid; iM Securities advises H2 investment in policy‑benefit firms, obesity treatments and ADCs, with long‑term focus on earnings‑growth companies.

Tracxn reports that 23 firms developing automated cell‑therapy manufacturing have raised $1.1 billion across 34 rounds up to April 24.