Analysis of the South Korean Bio Industry: Focusing on 2025 Market Trends, Stock Price Fluctuations, and Major Academic Conference Information

 

I. Outlook for the South Korean Bio Industry

A. Key Growth Drivers and Market Trends in 2025

In 2025, the South Korean bio industry is expected to show continued growth, leveraging numerous innovative technological advancements and changes in the market environment. Particularly, rapid growth in new treatment modalities such as Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC), Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), RNA therapeutics, and Targeted Protein Degraders (TPD) is anticipated to be a major driver. These new modalities have the potential to overcome the limitations of existing treatments and maximize therapeutic effects, emerging as a core growth axis in the global pharmaceutical bio market. For instance, the global ADC market is predicted to grow to approximately $28 billion by 2028, opening up significant opportunities for domestic companies. It will be crucial for domestic companies to secure technological competitiveness and preempt the market in this field for future growth.  

Market expansion centered on biopharmaceuticals will also continue, and accordingly, growth opportunities in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market are expected to expand. In fact, the domestic biopharmaceutical market has recorded a high average annual growth rate of 18.4% over the past five years, accounting for 15.1% of the total pharmaceutical industry in 2023. The increase in demand for biopharmaceuticals promotes the demand for high-quality CDMO services, which can lead to strengthening the global competitiveness of leading domestic CDMO companies like Samsung Biologics and Celltrion.  

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data technology into new drug development is also a significant growth driver. AI is expected to greatly contribute to shortening new drug development periods and reducing costs, and global big pharma companies are already accelerating the internalization of AI capabilities. AI is evaluated as a key technology that can innovatively enhance the efficiency of the entire new drug development process, from candidate material discovery to clinical trial design and data analysis. Furthermore, the acceleration of investments in the bio industry by large domestic corporations such as HD Hyundai, LG Group, CJ, and Lotte is also a positive sign. These investments by large corporations are expected to promote growth in new drug development and CDMO fields and contribute to the expansion of the industry's overall scale and technology commercialization.  

This positive outlook is also confirmed within the industry. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization on its member companies, 58.6% of respondents positively viewed the domestic bio industry in 2025, citing increased overseas market entry and technology exports as the main reasons. This reflects high expectations for the global market performance of domestic bio companies.  

In the major disease treatment market, the growth of diabetes and obesity treatments, cancer treatments, and autoimmune disease treatments is expected to be prominent. In particular, the autoimmune disease treatment market is estimated to grow to about $153 billion by 2025, indicating significant potential. The case of Yuhan Corporation's anticancer new drug 'Leclaza' receiving marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proves the potential for domestic new drugs to enter the global market and has a positive impact on the entire industry.  

These various growth drivers are more likely to create synergy by being organically connected rather than acting individually. For example, the development of new modalities and the integration of AI technology are key factors that simultaneously enhance the success probability and efficiency of new drug development. It becomes crucial to shorten the ADC candidate discovery time using AI, and advanced CDMO capabilities become important for the stable production of such innovative new drugs. This technological advancement, in turn, becomes an attractive factor for attracting investment from large corporations, and the increased production demand for developed new drugs can create a virtuous cycle that drives further growth in the CDMO market.

However, behind this growth expectation, there are also challenges to be addressed. Unlike the high expectations for increased technology exports , concerns are also being raised about R&D investment, government support, and regulatory improvement. This suggests that for domestic bio companies to gain global competitiveness, a favorable industrial ecosystem is essential in addition to excellent technological capabilities. If government support and regulatory improvements are delayed, even companies with excellent technology may face difficulties in the commercialization stage or become solely dependent on overseas technology transfer, which could limit the long-term growth of the domestic industry. Therefore, it is a time when in-depth consideration and the preparation of concrete implementation plans are required for the question, "What are the core policy tasks necessary for the South Korean bio industry to truly leap forward as a global leader?"  

B. Changes in Regulatory Environment and Government Support Policy Trends

A favorable regulatory environment and effective government support policies are essential for the sustained growth of the South Korean bio industry. However, domestic bio companies are currently facing a significant regulatory burden. According to a survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 83.6% of bio companies feel burdened by current regulatory compliance, the highest figure among all industry sectors. Furthermore, due to recent political instability, there are concerns that the government control tower overseeing bio-industry support may not function smoothly, and voices from the field are growing louder for urgent industry support and deregulation. Excessive regulation can stifle corporate innovation and act as a stumbling block to product development and market launch, requiring active improvement efforts from policy authorities.  

Against this backdrop, there is a strong call for the establishment of a systematic compensation system, such as improving drug pricing management policies to revitalize new drug development, expanding R&D investment, and providing legal and institutional support. In particular, the argument that active promotion policies are needed, such as recognizing the pharmaceutical bio-industry as a national core strategic industry and preparing a predictable and reasonable compensation system, is gaining traction. Active government support plays a key role in reducing the risk burden associated with early-stage technology development and creating an environment where companies can invest in innovation with a long-term perspective.  

For major policy issues in 2025, customized support for each field is expected to be emphasized. In the red bio sector, improving the maintenance requirements for technology-specific listings, securing the financial and employment independence of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, supporting the self-reliance of materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and expanding new drug development using AI and big data are being discussed as major tasks. In the green bio sector, the enforcement of related laws, strengthening support for overseas certification of health functional foods, and easing non-GMO regulations for gene-editing technology will be important. In the advanced biopharmaceutical field, strengthening guidance and inspection of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) reflecting their characteristics, as well as ensuring the adequacy of transportation management (cold chain verification, ultra-low temperature storage, etc.) for imported advanced biopharmaceuticals, are emerging as important issues.  

Meanwhile, the trend of strengthening safety management for biopharmaceuticals is expected to continue. Movements are appearing to strengthen the safety management system throughout the entire process, from manufacturing and import stages to distribution and use. This is a natural measure given the nature of the bio-industry, which is directly related to public health, but it can also act as another regulatory burden for companies.  

This situation presents the challenge of finding a policy balance between the two important values of 'promoting innovation' and 'ensuring safety.' While the industry strongly demands deregulation , regulatory authorities are strengthening supervision and management to ensure the safety of biopharmaceuticals. Wise policy design is needed so that these two goals do not conflict but create synergy.  

Furthermore, policy support for "self-reliance in MPE and APIs" and the market situation of "global pharmaceutical companies' tendency to acquire drugs from Chinese biotechs" may provide an opportunity for the South Korean bio industry to secure a new position within the global supply chain. If domestic companies succeed in self-sufficiency of APIs and successfully build an image as a stable supplier with low geopolitical risk, they could emerge as an alternative to China in global partnerships and create new growth engines. This leads to the important question, "What strategic positioning should South Korea take in the process of global bio supply chain reorganization, and what policy support is needed for this?"  

C. In-depth Analysis of Major Technology Trends

The major technology trends expected to drive innovation in the South Korean bio industry in 2025 are prominent in AI-based new drug development, microbiome, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC), Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), and autoimmune disease treatments.

AI-based new drug development has already established itself as a key driver changing the paradigm of the pharmaceutical bio-industry. AI technology is used to discover new drug targets or find new indications for existing drugs by analyzing vast biomedical data, contributing to dramatically accelerating the new drug development process and reducing costs. As clinical trial period shortening and cost reduction effects are expected, domestic companies are also actively pursuing AI-based new drug development , and global big pharma companies are also speeding up the internalization of AI capabilities.  

Microbiome research is presenting new possibilities for developing treatments for various diseases as it has been revealed that the microbial ecosystem in the human body is closely related to various health functions such as immunity and metabolism. Domestic companies are seeking market entry through partnerships with global companies, with the development of 'Enzyme Biome' through collaboration between HEM Pharma and Amway being a representative example. This product is targeting overseas markets with its strengths in protein decomposition and absorption rate improvement, and its potential for use not only in treatments but also in various fields such as health functional foods is attracting attention.  

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) are a next-generation anticancer technology that combines the target specificity of antibody treatments with the potent anticancer effects of cytotoxic drugs. ADCs are highly anticipated due to their advantage of selectively acting only on target cancer cells, thereby maximizing therapeutic effects and minimizing side effects on normal cells. The global ADC market is a promising field, expected to grow to about $28 billion by 2028 , and domestic companies like LigaChem Biosciences (formerly LegoChem Bio) are gaining attention in the global market based on their outstanding technology. Recent large-scale technology transfer deals have proven the competitiveness of domestic ADC technology.  

Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) is an innovative treatment method that corrects the fundamental causes of diseases or regenerates damaged cells and tissues. As a core technology in the advanced regenerative medicine field, it offers the possibility of personalized treatment and conquering incurable diseases, with the expectation of long-term therapeutic effects from a single administration. Although many pipelines are still in the early stages of development, their potential is considered very large.  

The autoimmune disease treatment market is also a field with high growth potential. The global market size is estimated to reach about $153 billion in 2025 , and the need for new treatment options for chronic autoimmune diseases that significantly impact quality of life is very high. In Korea, new drug candidates like HanAll Biopharma's HL161ANS are awaiting entry into Phase 3 clinical trials by the US FDA, generating significant market expectations.  

In addition to the development of these individual technologies, the convergence between these technologies and the securing of platform technologies are emerging as important competitive advantages. For example, research is actively underway to increase the efficiency of ADC candidate discovery using AI technology or to enhance therapeutic effects through combination therapy of microbiome and immuno-oncology drugs. Furthermore, securing platform technologies that enable continuous new drug development beyond specific pipeline development, such as Alteogen's subcutaneous (SC) formulation changing platform 'Hybrozyme' or ABL Bio's blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating bispecific antibody platform 'Grabody-B' , is a core element that guarantees a company's long-term growth and competitive advantage.  

Furthermore, new technology trends such as "On-Device AI development" herald an era of personalized and decentralized healthcare services, moving beyond existing centralized medical data analysis and diagnostic methods. This not only creates new markets but also has the potential to bring disruptive innovation to the existing diagnostic and treatment markets. Continuous attention and strategic responses are needed regarding how such technological advancements will fundamentally change future medical service delivery methods and patient experiences, and how domestic companies will prepare for this massive wave of change and seize new opportunities.  

D. Investment and Competitive Environment Analysis

The South Korean bio industry is facing changes in the external environment, such as intensifying global market competition, especially the rapid rise of the Chinese bio industry. The progress of Chinese companies, such as Innovent Biologics, which has successfully concluded large-scale technology deals, is putting considerable competitive pressure on domestic companies. Meanwhile, global big pharma companies tend to acquire drugs from Chinese biotechs rather than directly collaborating with them to avoid geopolitical risks, which could be a new opportunity for domestic companies or mean another form of competition.  

In this competitive environment, domestic pharmaceutical companies are continuously expanding their R&D investments. Some companies invest more than 13% of their revenue in R&D , and efforts are being made to expand pipelines and accelerate development speed by actively utilizing open innovation strategies such as joint R&D and M&A, in addition to strengthening their own R&D capabilities.  

There is also a forecast that the M&A market in the global bio-healthcare sector will be activated in 2025. Macroeconomic and political variables such as the possibility of interest rate cuts and the US presidential election could affect the M&A market , which could provide domestic pharmaceutical and bio companies with growth opportunities through M&A in addition to technology exports. M&A can serve as a means for large pharmaceutical companies to secure promising pipelines and as an opportunity for biotechs to successfully recover investments and have their technology value recognized.  

However, the financing environment for domestic bio companies shows a somewhat dualistic aspect. While investments in the bio industry by large corporations like LG and CJ are actively being made , survey results show that many small and medium-sized biotechs are still struggling with financing. In particular, the increasing burden of R&D costs for clinical trials, which are mainly conducted overseas due to the high exchange rate, is also acting as a burden for small and medium-sized biotechs. The bio industry has the characteristic of requiring large-scale investment over a long period, making stable financing very important, and the current market situation shows that there is a difference in access to funds depending on the size of the company.  

In terms of investment sentiment, if 2024 showed a tendency for stock prices to rise based on positive expectations, 2025 is expected to be a full-fledged 'Re-rating' phase, where companies must prove actual new drug development performance and profit-generating ability from overseas market entry. The market will no longer evaluate companies solely on simple expectations or the potential value of pipelines but will demand concrete results and sustainable profit models.  

Considering this investment and competitive environment comprehensively, strategic positioning, in addition to strengthening technological capabilities, seems important for domestic bio companies. The trend of global pharmaceutical companies preferring drug acquisitions over direct collaboration with Chinese biotechs due to geopolitical risks presents a challenge for Korean companies to enhance their value as attractive partners or acquisition targets as an alternative to China. This means not only possessing excellent technological capabilities but also establishing a position as a stable and reliable partner and enhancing corporate value as an attractive M&A target in the global market.  

Ultimately, the 'Re-rating' phase of 2025 and the ongoing difficulties in financing will intensify the 'sorting of wheat from chaff' among domestic bio companies. Beyond simply possessing promising technology, only companies that generate market-recognized profits and demonstrate sustainable growth will be able to survive and grow in a fierce competitive environment. This leads to the fundamental question: "What are the most urgent tasks for domestic bio companies to solve to prove their actual corporate value beyond market expectations, and by what criteria should investors evaluate these companies and make investment decisions?"  

II. Analysis of Recent Stock Price Fluctuations of Major Bio Companies

A. Status of Top 10 Stocks with High Stock Price Volatility in the Last 6 Months

The domestic bio sector is characterized by high stock price volatility, with prices reacting sensitively to various factors such as individual companies' R&D achievements, regulatory decisions, and technology transfer agreements. However, within the provided materials, it is difficult to directly derive a clear list of the top 10 KOSDAQ or KOSPI bio stocks ranked by standardized volatility indicators (e.g., beta, standard deviation) for the recent 6 months. For example, the constituent stocks of the TIGER BioTOP10 ETF may represent the market, but this does not necessarily mean they are the top volatility stocks.  

Therefore, this report aims to present examples of major volatile stocks that have recently attracted market attention by comprehensively considering stocks mentioned in recent news articles as cases of sharp price fluctuations and major bio ETF constituent stocks that are judged to have shown high stock price volatility while recently drawing market attention. It is stated in advance that the table below is not a complete list of top volatility rankings.  

Table 1: Recent 6-Month Stock Price Fluctuation Status of Major Bio Stocks (Examples)

Stock Name	Stock Code	Period of Major Stock Price Fluctuation within Last 6 Months	Stock Price Fluctuation Rate (%) during the Period	Main Reason for Fluctuation (Summary of Related Disclosure/News)	Related News/Data Source ID
Bridge Biotherapeutics	288330	April 2025 (5 trading days)	-83.1%	Announcement of failure to prove efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trial of BBT-877 for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
CMG Pharmaceutical	058820	April 16, 2025	+29.95% (daily)	US FDA approval for schizophrenia drug 'Mezofy'
Alteogen	196170	November 2024	Stock price surge (exact % unconfirmed)	Technology transfer agreement with Japan's Daiichi Sankyo for ADC SC formulation development
Orum Therapeutics	475830	April 28, 2025	-30.00% (daily)	Disclosure of voluntary discontinuation of US Phase 1 clinical trial for breast cancer drug 'ORM-5029'
NatureCell	007390	April 11, 2025	+29.75% (daily)	(Specific cause unclear, included as an example of market volatility)
ABL Bio	298380	Early April 2025 (e.g., April 7)	+15.25% (April 7)	News report of technology transfer agreement with GSK for brain-penetrating platform worth approx. 4 trillion KRW
Pharmicell	005690	Specific period in 2020 (past data)	+123.8%	(Past volatility example, highlighted as a COVID-related stock)
PCL	241820		-28.1%	(Stock price decline, sluggish performance)
Intron Biotechnology	048530		-26.3%	(Stock price decline, sluggish performance)

 

Note: This table presents examples of highly volatile stocks that have recently attracted market attention based on the provided materials and is not a complete list of the 'Top 10 Volatile Stocks'. Stock price fluctuation rates are based on specific periods or dates and may change according to market conditions.

Stock prices in the bio sector react very sensitively to specific events such as the announcement of individual companies' clinical trial results, regulatory drug approval decisions, and the signing of large-scale technology transfer agreements, sometimes exhibiting extreme volatility. This phenomenon often leads to a further intensification of short-term stock price surges and plunges, as information related to specific positive or negative news spreads rapidly in the market, prompting concentrated buying or selling, particularly among individual investors. For example, the stock price plunge following the news of Bridge Biotherapeutics' clinical trial failure or CMG Pharmaceutical's stock hitting the daily limit up after the FDA approval news clearly demonstrates this market dynamism. This highlights how crucial accurate information interpretation and swift market response are in bio stock investment.  

Meanwhile, while the sector as a whole may show growth, such as the "KRX Bio TOP 10 Index" increasing by 13% over a year , individual stocks can experience extreme volatility, leading to situations where investors might suffer significant short-term losses or, conversely, focus solely on short-term capital gains. This implies that there can be a significant gap between the long-term fundamental value of a bio company and short-term market sentiment. Therefore, investors need to consider how to effectively respond to such short-term volatility and how to maintain a long-term investment perspective based on the intrinsic value of the company.  

B. Detailed Analysis of Individual Stock Price Fluctuation Rates Following Major Disclosures/Contract Announcements

The stock prices of bio companies often fluctuate significantly following disclosures of important R&D milestones or announcements of large-scale contracts. This section aims to provide a detailed analysis of the stock price fluctuation rates before and after such events for some companies that have recently had major disclosures or contract announcements. (Note: The stock price information in the table below is based on the provided data, and some data may be insufficient. Unless otherwise specified, the rate of change is relative to the 'closing price of the previous day of the announcement'.)

Table 2: Stock Price Fluctuation Rates of Major Bio Companies Before and After Major Disclosures/Contracts

Company Name	Stock Code	Reference Date (Disclosure/News Date)	Summary of Key Content	Closing Price Day Before Announcement (KRW)	Opening Price on Announcement Day (KRW)	Closing Price on Announcement Day (KRW)	Daily Fluctuation Rate (%)	Closing Price 1 Day After Announcement (KRW)	Fluctuation Rate 1 Day After (%)	Closing Price 5 Days After Announcement (KRW)	Fluctuation Rate 5 Days After (%)	Related News/Disclosure ID
Bridge Biotherapeutics	288330	April 14, 2025	Announcement of BBT-877 Phase 2 trial not meeting efficacy endpoint	8,960	6,280	6,280	-29.91%	4,400 (Apr 15)	-50.89%	1,515 (Apr 20)	-83.09%
		November 25, 2024	BBT-877 Phase 2 trial 76% dosing complete, technology transfer discussions (CDA signed)	874 (Nov 22)	890	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient
CMG Pharmaceutical	058820	April 16, 2025	FDA marketing approval for schizophrenia drug 'Mezofy'	2,070 (Apr 15)	Data Insufficient	2,690	+29.95%	2,975 (Apr 17)	+43.72%	2,625 (Apr 23)	+26.81%
Alteogen	196170	November 8, 2024	Technology transfer agreement with Daiichi Sankyo for ADC SC formulation development	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient (Surge)	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient (New High)	Data Insufficient	437,500 (Nov 15)	Data Insufficient
Orum Therapeutics	475830	February 14, 2025	New KOSDAQ listing (IPO price 20,000 KRW)	20,000 (IPO Price)	21,000	21,800	+9.00% (vs. IPO Price)	28,050 (Feb 15)	+40.25% (vs. IPO Price)	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient
		April 28, 2025	Voluntary discontinuation of 'ORM-5029' Phase 1 clinical trial	25,500 (Apr 25)	Data Insufficient	17,850	-30.00%	19,290 (Apr 29)	-24.35%	18,200 (May 2)	-28.63%
ABL Bio	298380	April 7, 2025 (News)	Technology transfer agreement with GSK for brain-penetrating platform (News Report)	44,250 (Apr 6*)	51,000	51,000	+15.25%	52,600 (Apr 8)	+18.87%	64,000 (Apr 14)	+44.63%
SCM Lifescience	298060	January 15, 2025 (News)	'SCM-CGH' Phase 2 trial did not achieve efficacy	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient	Data Insufficient (Plunge)	Data Insufficient	960 (Jan 16)	Data Insufficient	943 (Jan 22 prev. close)	Data Insufficient

 

Note: April 6th was a Sunday; for ABL Bio, it could be the closing price of April 4th or 5th, but it is cited as April 6th closing price in the provided data and thus quoted as is. For Alteogen and SCM Lifescience, precise daily closing price data around the major event dates were insufficient, so some items are marked 'Data Insufficient'. The rate of change is relative to the closing price of the day before the announcement, and for Orum Therapeutics' listing day, the rate of change is relative to the IPO price.  

As seen in the table above, the stock prices of bio companies tend to react extremely to the achievement of key milestones. Clinical trial result announcements, in particular, have a significant impact on stock prices. The phenomenon of 'Sell on News,' where stock prices rise in anticipation before a clinical result announcement and then plummet if the actual results do not meet market expectations, is frequently observed. The case of Bridge Biotherapeutics' BBT-877 illustrates this well. BBT-877 had market expectations, with technology transfer discussions mentioned in November 2024. However, after the announcement in April 2025 that efficacy was not confirmed in the Phase 2 trial , the stock price plummeted. This is a representative case where high expectations led to greater disappointment, negatively impacting the stock price.  

Conversely, in the case of CMG Pharmaceutical, the unexpected positive news of US FDA marketing approval for its schizophrenia drug 'Mezofy' provided strong upward momentum for the stock price, leading it to hit the daily limit up. Thus, how much information is pre-reflected in the market and how well the actual results meet market consensus are important factors determining the intensity of the stock price reaction.  

This stock price volatility reminds investors of the risks associated with companies heavily reliant on a single pipeline. Indeed, cases are observed where many bio companies face not only stock price collapses but also risks to their corporate existence if their core pipeline fails in clinical trials. On the other hand, companies with diverse pipelines or those capable of continuously discovering new drug candidates through platform technologies can effectively diversify the risk of individual clinical failures and increase long-term growth potential. Orum Therapeutics' statement after announcing the voluntary discontinuation of its Phase 1 clinical trial for the HER2-positive breast cancer drug 'ORM-5029' – that it was "for the purpose of strategically concentrating resources on next-generation pipelines based on its proprietary platform" – shows one aspect of such risk management and portfolio strategy. Therefore, investors must meticulously evaluate a company's pipeline portfolio composition and risk management strategy, and carefully consider the long-term impact of a single core pipeline's clinical failure on corporate value.  

III. Information on Major Bio Conferences in May 2025 and Trends of Domestic Companies

A. List and Overview of Major International/Domestic Conferences

May 2025 is expected to be a significant period for grasping the latest technology trends across the bio industry and confirming the global competitiveness of domestic companies, with numerous important bio-related conferences being held both domestically and internationally.

BIO KOREA 2025, South Korea's representative bio-industry event, will be held from Wednesday, May 7th to Friday, May 9th at COEX, Seoul. This event provides a venue for exchanging technology trends in the health industry and in-depth discussions, and consists of various programs including conferences, open sessions, company presentations, business partnering, and exhibitions. Key session topics will include AI-based drug development, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), regenerative medicine, open innovation, new modalities, global bio governance, space bio, anti-aging and reverse aging, clinical research, digital convergence technology, and alternative toxicity testing in the preclinical stage. BIO KOREA serves as a core platform where domestic and international companies, research institutes, and investors gather to share the latest technologies and market trends and explore new business cooperation opportunities.  

The world's largest clinical oncology conference, the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) 2025 Annual Meeting, will be held from Friday, May 30th to Tuesday, June 3rd at McCormick Place in Chicago, USA. ASCO is an authoritative conference where the latest cancer treatment research results and innovative clinical data are presented, making it a very important opportunity for domestic companies to internationally publicize the research achievements of their anticancer new drugs under development and secure global partnerships. Domestically, the Korea National Enterprise for Clinical Trials (KoNECT) will operate a joint Korean Pavilion booth and support partnering meetings for participating companies , and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) will also hold networking events locally to promote exchanges among domestic and international experts. Successful presentations at ASCO serve as an occasion for companies to have their R&D capabilities internationally recognized and often have a positive impact on stock prices.  

In addition, various international conferences in specialized fields are scheduled for May. BioProcess International Europe 2025 (May 12-15, Hamburg, Germany), PEGS BOSTON 2025 (May 12-16, Boston, USA), and BIOEQUITY EUROPE 2025 (May 12-14, Milan, Italy) are representative examples, and these conferences will also provide opportunities for technology exchange and networking.  

These conferences function as 'hubs of open innovation' where practical business opportunities such as technology transfer, investment attraction, and joint research are created, going beyond mere venues for research result presentations. BIO KOREA's 'Business Partnering' program or KoNECT's ASCO 'Partnering Meeting Support' clearly show that conferences are functioning as important venues for industrial cooperation and business development beyond academic exchange.  

Furthermore, the fact that government and related organizations (KoNECT, KOTRA, Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization, etc.) operate Korean Pavilions at major international conferences like the BIO International Convention (BIO USA) and ASCO and actively support the participation of domestic companies suggests that these conferences are being utilized as strategic tools to promote the global expansion of the domestic bio industry and strengthen national competitiveness. This could lead to an important policy question: "How is the Korean government effectively supporting the globalization of domestic bio companies through international conferences, and in what direction should such support strategies be developed in the future?"  

B. Summary of Major Domestic Participating Companies and Scheduled/Previously Announced Presentations

Numerous domestic companies are scheduled to showcase their latest research achievements and technological capabilities at major bio conferences in May 2025. This will be an important opportunity to gauge the present and future of the domestic bio industry.

At BIO KOREA 2025, the participation and presentations of the following domestic companies are noteworthy:

• ST PHARM and Sysmex (a global company with active Korean branch operations) are scheduled to participate in company presentation sessions, but specific presentation details have not yet been disclosed.  
• Participation from "Super Gap" startups is also expected to be active.
  • Exollence plans to present its influenza mRNA vaccine technology utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) as delivery vehicles.
  • MediIPlus will introduce its subscription service providing clinical data for new drug and medical device approval.
  • Arontier plans to announce its AI-powered new drug development platform for intractable diseases.
  • Cellames will introduce its non-destructive/real-time cell analysis technology using bioelectrical signal measurement and related disk electrode array plates through a conference presentation.
  • Preclina is also scheduled to present at the conference on bio-material development using humanized mouse and humanized PDX (patient-derived xenograft) models applying a humanized immune system.
  • In addition, numerous promising startups such as LudaCure (non-clinical toxicity testing), SML Biopharm (next-generation mRNA platform), Ticaros (next-generation cell and gene therapy), and Brexogen (stem cell-based exosome therapy) are expected to showcase their core technologies and items.  
   
• Considering news mentions and past participation history, major domestic pharmaceutical bio companies such as Chong Kun Dang , GC Biopharma , Hanmi Pharmaceutical , LG Chem , SK bioscience , and Boryung are also likely to promote their pipelines and technological capabilities through booth operations or session participation. (Note: is a list of BIO KOREA 2024 partnering participating companies; participation in 2025 requires separate confirmation but can be used as a reference.)  

At the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) 2025 Annual Meeting, presentations from the following domestic companies are scheduled or highly probable:

• Lunit is attracting significant attention as it is reportedly scheduled to present 12 research abstracts, an unusually large number for a medical AI company. Key presentation topics are expected to include research achievements using AI biomarkers, and studies related to AI-based precision medicine and treatment decisions. Notably, joint research results with the National Cancer Center Japan (NCCE) are also slated for release. Lunit's active conference presentations demonstrate that Korean companies are leading global technology trends in the field of AI-based cancer diagnosis and treatment. (Note: Specific titles and detailed contents of the 12 abstracts are not currently available. is an abstract from Haystack MRD, and is an ASCO abstract format guideline.)  
• BeyondDX is scheduled to present the clinical research results of its blood test-based early lung cancer diagnostic medical device, 'ForeCheck LC'. This technology was developed through collaborative research with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and is particularly anticipated for confirming a sensitivity of 81.9% and a specificity of 90.1% even in stage 1/2 lung cancer patients, who are difficult to detect early. Simple and accurate blood-based early cancer diagnosis technology has enormous market potential, and BeyondDX's presentation is expected to showcase technological advancements in this field.  
• Considering past ASCO participation history and recent news, companies such as Yuhan Corporation, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, ABL Bio, HLB, NeoImmuneTech, and Fosun Pharma (partner of LigaChem Biosciences) are also likely to present research results at ASCO 2025. The final presentation status of these companies requires further confirmation.  

The table below summarizes domestic companies participating in major conferences in May 2025 and their expected presentation contents.

Table 3: Summary of Domestic Participating Companies and Presentations at Major Conferences in May 2025 (Including Projections)

Conference Name	Company Name	Presentation/Participation Sector (Expected)	Presentation Topic/Abstract Title/Technology Item (Expected)	Presentation Date/Session Info (If Confirmed)	Related News/Data Source ID
BIO KOREA 2025	ST PHARM	Company Presentation	(Unconfirmed)	May 8
	Sysmex	Company Presentation	(Unconfirmed)	May 7
	Exollence	Super Gap Startup Presentation	Extracellular vesicle delivery vehicle influenza mRNA vaccine	(Unconfirmed)
	MediIPlus	Super Gap Startup Presentation	Subscription service for clinical data for new drug/medical device approval	(Unconfirmed)
	Arontier	Super Gap Startup Presentation	AI-utilized new drug development for intractable diseases	(Unconfirmed)
	Cellames	Conference Presentation	Non-destructive/real-time analysis bioelectrical signal measurement technology	(Unconfirmed)
	Preclina	Conference Presentation	Humanized immune system applied mouse model	(Unconfirmed)
ASCO 2025	Lunit	Research Abstract Presentation (12 abstracts)	AI biomarker, AI-based precision medicine and treatment decisions, etc.	May 30 - June 3
	BeyondDX	Poster Presentation	Clinical research results of 'ForeCheck LC' for early lung cancer diagnosis	(Unconfirmed, Poster Session)
	Yuhan Corporation	(High probability of participation)	(Possibility of presenting research results related to anticancer new drugs)	(Unconfirmed)
	Hanmi Pharmaceutical	(High probability of participation)	(Possibility of presenting research results related to anticancer new drugs)	(Unconfirmed)

 

Domestic bio companies are actively generating R&D achievements in advanced fields such as AI, precision medicine, early diagnosis, and next-generation vaccines and treatments, and are actively promoting these achievements through major international conferences like BIO KOREA and ASCO. Particularly, presentations based on platform technologies that go beyond the development of treatments for specific diseases, such as Lunit's AI biomarker platform, BeyondDX's multi-omics integrated analysis solution, and Exollence's mRNA vaccine delivery technology, are attracting attention. Furthermore, research outcome presentations through collaboration with leading domestic and international institutions, such as Lunit's joint research with the National Cancer Center Japan (NCCE) and BeyondDX's collaborative research with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , are examples that well demonstrate the openness and scalability of Korean bio-technology.  

While in the past, conference presentations primarily focused on sharing academic achievements, recently, there has been an increasing number of cases where the content of presentations is directly linked to the evaluation of a company's technological capabilities, investment attraction potential, and even technology transfer possibilities, thereby having an immediate impact on stock prices. This calls for in-depth analysis and strategic approaches to the question: "What are the key conditions for a successful conference presentation to lead to a company's actual business performance, and how should investors interpret conference presentation information and effectively utilize it in their investment decisions?"

IV. Comprehensive Conclusion and Market Outlook

A. Summary of Key Analysis and Core Insights

In 2025, the South Korean bio industry is projected to continue its growth momentum, centered on innovative technologies such as Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC), Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT), and AI-based new drug development. Active investment expansion by large corporations and the concurrent growth of the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market will also serve as positive factors. However, significant regulatory hurdles, policy uncertainties, financing difficulties faced particularly by small and medium-sized biotechs, and intensifying global market competition remain major challenges that the domestic bio industry must overcome for sustained growth. (Comprehensive summary of I.A, I.B, I.C, I.D above)

The stock prices of bio companies exhibit high volatility, reacting very sensitively to key events such as clinical trial result announcements, new drug approvals by regulatory authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the signing of large-scale technology transfer agreements. The discrepancy between market expectations and actual announced results is a primary cause of sharp stock price fluctuations, with information asymmetry and investor sentiment also acting as important variables in stock price movements. (Comprehensive summary of II.A, II.B above)

Major domestic and international conferences scheduled for May 2025, such as BIO KOREA and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting, will provide crucial opportunities for domestic companies to showcase their superior technological capabilities and explore global partnerships. The content of presentations at these conferences can directly influence corporate value assessment and investment sentiment, thus requiring close observation. (Comprehensive summary of III.A, III.B above)

The core insights derived from the above analysis are as follows: First, the South Korean bio industry possesses high growth potential and innovative technologies, but simultaneously entails high investment risks and stock price volatility. Second, 2025 will be a year of 'Re-rating,' where companies must prove tangible research outcomes, technology commercialization, and sustainable profit-generating capabilities beyond mere expectations. Lastly, for the sustained growth of the domestic bio industry, consistent government support policies, the creation of a rational regulatory environment, and the establishment of a stable investment ecosystem are essential, in addition to the efforts of individual companies.  

B. Key Considerations for Future Bio Industry Investment and Short/Mid-to-Long-Term Outlook

Investment in the South Korean bio industry, while offering the potential for high returns, is a field that demands thorough analysis and a cautious approach. It is crucial to focus on a company's long-term growth potential and core competitiveness rather than being swayed by short-term market events.

Investment Considerations: When investing in the bio industry in the future, the following points should be primarily considered:

1. Innovativeness and Market Potential of the Pipeline: A comprehensive assessment is needed of how technologically differentiated the new drug candidates currently under development are compared to existing treatments, the extent of unmet medical needs in the target disease area, and the overall size and growth potential of the relevant market.
2. Quality of Clinical Data and Probability of Regulatory Approval: The objectivity, statistical significance, and safety profile of the clinical data released by companies must be meticulously reviewed. It is also important to realistically assess the likelihood of meeting the new drug approval standards of major regulatory authorities such as the U.S. FDA.
3. Competence of Management and Fundraising Ability: The expertise and leadership of the management team, including new drug development experience, global market entry strategy, and crisis management capabilities, should be evaluated. Furthermore, a stable financing plan and execution capability to sustain R&D investments, which require substantial funds over a long period, must be confirmed.  
4. Partnership and Technology Transfer Achievements: The signing of joint R&D agreements with global big pharma companies, and the terms and total contract value of technology transfer agreements, can serve as important indicators indirectly showing the company's technological prowess and market value.
5. Appropriateness of Valuation: The stock prices of bio companies often reflect high growth expectations in advance. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully evaluate whether the current stock price appropriately reflects the company's intrinsic value and future growth potential, and whether there is an excessive bubble.

Short-Term Outlook (2025): In the short term in 2025, stock price volatility for individual stocks is expected to be significant, depending on presentation contents at major conferences, individual companies' clinical result disclosures, and new drug approval decisions by regulatory authorities. In particular, the potential vitalization of the global M&A market could offer new growth opportunities for some domestic companies. Overall, as the market's 'sorting of wheat from chaff' intensifies, the differentiation between companies that show tangible results and those that do not will become more pronounced.  

Mid-to-Long-Term Outlook: In the mid-to-long term, qualitative growth of the South Korean bio industry is anticipated as AI technology advances and new modalities like ADC and CGT become commercially available in earnest. The direction of consistent government support policies and improvements in the regulatory environment will be major variables determining the industry's long-term growth trajectory. Particularly, if efforts for "self-reliance in MPE and APIs" bear successful fruit, the overall stability and global competitiveness of the domestic bio industry will be further strengthened. If success stories in the global market continue to emerge, the South Korean bio industry is expected to solidify its position as a global key player.  

Within the bio sector, various sub-fields exist, such as new drug development, CDMO, AI solution development, and digital healthcare, each with different growth drivers and risk factors. For example, innovative new drug development is a typical high-risk, high-return field where the success of clinical trials decisively impacts corporate value. In contrast, the CDMO business allows for relatively stable profit generation but faces challenges in global order competition and securing production efficiency. In the AI solutions field, the innovativeness of the technology and its applicability and market acceptance in actual medical settings are key success factors. Therefore, it is advisable for investors to diversify their portfolios considering their investment appetite and risk tolerance, and to employ investment strategies tailored to the characteristics of each sub-field.

Ultimately, for the South Korean bio industry to achieve global competitiveness and sustainable growth, not only the efforts of individual companies but also the establishment of an organic collaborative ecosystem among industry, academia, research institutions, hospitals, and the government is essential. In particular, multifaceted efforts such as strengthening basic research capabilities, promoting the commercialization of innovative technologies, and supporting global market entry must be pursued concurrently.

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional financial, legal, or medical advice. The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Any views or opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organization.

The reader should not rely on any information contained in this report as a basis for making any investment, business, or health-related decisions. Before making any such decisions, the reader should consult with a qualified professional. The author and any affiliated organizations disclaim any and all liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance on this report or any information contained herein.