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South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market

Publisher Ken Research
Published Oct 03, 2025
Length 98 Pages
SKU # AMPS20592279

Description

South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Overview

The South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market is valued at USD 8.8 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by advancements in biotechnology, increased investment in research and development, and a rising prevalence of chronic diseases. The market is also supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure, strong government initiatives, and a surge in international licensing deals and collaborations that have positioned South Korea as a global biopharma innovation hub .

Key players in this market include Seoul, Incheon, and Busan, which dominate due to their strategic locations, advanced research facilities, and strong collaboration between academia and industry. Seoul, as the capital, is a hub for biopharma companies and research institutions, while Incheon and Busan benefit from their ports and logistics capabilities, facilitating international trade and collaboration .

In 2023, the South Korean government implemented the "Biopharmaceutical Industry Promotion Act," issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This regulation includes provisions for tax incentives, funding for research projects, and streamlined approval processes for new therapies, thereby encouraging innovation and investment in advanced therapies. The Act mandates compliance with enhanced standards for clinical trials, accelerates review timelines for breakthrough therapies, and establishes a dedicated fund for biopharmaceutical R&D .

South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Segmentation

By Type:

The biopharma and advanced therapies market is segmented into various types, including monoclonal antibodies, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, recombinant proteins, biosimilars, advanced cell therapies, RNA-based therapies, hormones, interferons, growth and coagulation factors, erythropoietin, and others. Among these, monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a leading sub-segment due to their effectiveness in treating various diseases, particularly cancers and autoimmune disorders. The increasing demand for targeted therapies and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases have further propelled the growth of this segment .

By Application:

The applications of biopharma and advanced therapies are diverse, including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, rare diseases, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, and others. Oncology is the dominant application area, driven by the increasing incidence of cancer and the demand for innovative treatment options. The rise in personalized medicine and targeted therapies has further solidified oncology's position as a leading application in the biopharma sector .

South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Competitive Landscape

The South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, SK Biopharmaceuticals, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, LG Chem, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Genexine, Medytox, CJ Healthcare, Dong-A ST, GC Biopharma (formerly Green Cross Corporation), Yuhan Corporation, Hanall Biopharma, Ildong Pharmaceutical, SillaJen, CHA Biotech, Alteogen, Medipost, Pharmicell, Kolon Life Science contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Samsung Biologics

2011

Incheon, South Korea

Celltrion

2002

Incheon, South Korea

SK Biopharmaceuticals

2011

Seongnam, South Korea

Hanmi Pharmaceutical

1973

Seoul, South Korea

LG Chem

1947

Seoul, South Korea

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Revenue Growth Rate (5-year CAGR)

Market Penetration Rate (Domestic & International)

Pipeline Strength (Number of Clinical/Preclinical Assets)

R&D Investment as a Percentage of Revenue

Regulatory Approval Success Rate

South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Investment in R&D:

South Korea's biopharma sector has seen a significant increase in research and development investment, reaching approximately

USD 3.5 billion

in future. The government aims to boost this figure to

USD 5 billion

in future, reflecting a commitment to innovation. This funding supports the development of advanced therapies, particularly in gene editing and regenerative medicine, which are critical for addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing patient outcomes.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases:

The prevalence of chronic diseases in South Korea is projected to affect over

30% of the adult population

in future, with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases on the rise. This growing health burden drives demand for innovative biopharmaceutical solutions. The healthcare expenditure related to chronic diseases is expected to exceed

USD 30 billion

annually, creating a substantial market opportunity for advanced therapies targeting these conditions.

Advancements in Biotechnology:

South Korea's biotechnology sector is rapidly evolving, with over

1,200 biotech firms

operating in the country. The government has invested approximately

USD 1.2 billion

in biotechnology initiatives, fostering innovation in areas like monoclonal antibodies and cell therapies. These advancements are crucial for developing new treatments and improving the efficacy of existing therapies, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of the biopharma market.

Market Challenges

High Cost of Development:

The average cost of developing a new biopharmaceutical product in South Korea is estimated at

USD 2.6 billion

, significantly higher than traditional drug development costs. This financial burden poses a challenge for both established companies and startups, limiting their ability to invest in innovative therapies. The lengthy development timelines, often exceeding 10 years, further exacerbate the financial risks associated with biopharma projects.

Stringent Regulatory Requirements:

South Korea's regulatory framework for biopharmaceuticals is among the most stringent globally, with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety overseeing compliance. The average time for new drug approvals can take up to

18 months

, which can delay market entry. These rigorous requirements, while ensuring safety and efficacy, can deter investment and slow down the pace of innovation in the biopharma sector.

South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Future Outlook

The South Korea biopharma and advanced therapies market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing healthcare demands. The integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery is expected to streamline development processes, while the rise of personalized medicine will cater to the unique needs of patients. Additionally, the expansion of telemedicine will enhance patient access to innovative therapies, further propelling market dynamics and fostering collaborations within the industry.

Market Opportunities

Growth in Personalized Medicine:

The personalized medicine market in South Korea is projected to reach

USD 1.5 billion

in future, driven by advancements in genomics and biotechnology. This growth presents opportunities for biopharma companies to develop targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction, aligning with global trends towards individualized healthcare solutions.

Development of Biosimilars:

The biosimilars market in South Korea is expected to grow to

USD 1 billion

in future, as patents for several biologics expire. This presents a lucrative opportunity for companies to enter the market with cost-effective alternatives, addressing the increasing demand for affordable treatment options while ensuring patient access to essential therapies.

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Table of Contents

98 Pages
1. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Overview
1.1. Definition and Scope
1.2. Market Taxonomy
1.3. Market Growth Rate
1.4. Market Segmentation Overview
2. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Size (in USD Bn), 2019–2024
2.1. Historical Market Size
2.2. Year-on-Year Growth Analysis
2.3. Key Market Developments and Milestones
3. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Analysis
3.1. Growth Drivers
3.1.1. Increasing investment in R&D
3.1.2. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases
3.1.3. Advancements in biotechnology
3.1.4. Supportive government policies
3.2. Restraints
3.2.1. High cost of development
3.2.2. Stringent regulatory requirements
3.2.3. Competition from global players
3.2.4. Limited access to funding for startups
3.3. Opportunities
3.3.1. Growth in personalized medicine
3.3.2. Expansion of telemedicine
3.3.3. Collaborations with international firms
3.3.4. Development of biosimilars
3.4. Trends
3.4.1. Increasing focus on gene therapies
3.4.2. Rise of digital health solutions
3.4.3. Integration of AI in drug discovery
3.4.4. Shift towards decentralized clinical trials
3.5. Government Regulation
3.5.1. New drug approval processes
3.5.2. Regulations on clinical trials
3.5.3. Pricing and reimbursement policies
3.5.4. Intellectual property protections
3.6. SWOT Analysis
3.7. Stakeholder Ecosystem
3.8. Competition Ecosystem
4. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Segmentation, 2024
4.1. By Product Type (in Value %)
4.1.1. Monoclonal Antibodies
4.1.2. Cell and Gene Therapies
4.1.3. Vaccines
4.1.4. Recombinant Proteins
4.1.5. Others
4.2. By Application (in Value %)
4.2.1. Oncology
4.2.2. Cardiovascular Diseases
4.2.3. Neurological Disorders
4.2.4. Infectious Diseases
4.2.5. Others
4.3. By End-User (in Value %)
4.3.1. Hospitals
4.3.2. Research Institutions
4.3.3. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
4.3.4. Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
4.4. By Distribution Channel (in Value %)
4.4.1. Direct Sales
4.4.2. Distributors
4.4.3. Online Sales
4.4.4. Retail Pharmacies
4.5. By Regulatory Approval Stage (in Value %)
4.5.1. Preclinical
4.5.2. Clinical Trials
4.5.3. Market Approval
4.5.4. Post-Market Surveillance
4.6. By Region (in Value %)
4.6.1. North Korea
4.6.2. South Korea
4.6.3. East Korea
4.6.4. West Korea
4.6.5. Central Korea
4.6.6. Northeast Korea
4.6.7. Union Territories
5. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Cross Comparison
5.1. Detailed Profiles of Major Companies
5.1.1. Samsung Biologics
5.1.2. Celltrion
5.1.3. SK Biopharmaceuticals
5.1.4. Hanmi Pharmaceutical
5.1.5. LG Chem
5.2. Cross Comparison Parameters
5.2.1. Revenue
5.2.2. Market Penetration Rate
5.2.3. R&D Investment as a Percentage of Revenue
5.2.4. Number of Clinical/Preclinical Assets
5.2.5. Regulatory Approval Success Rate
6. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Regulatory Framework
6.1. Compliance Requirements and Audits
6.2. Certification Processes
7. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Future Size (in USD Bn), 2025–2030
7.1. Future Market Size Projections
7.2. Key Factors Driving Future Market Growth
8. South Korea Biopharma & Advanced Therapies Market Future Segmentation, 2030
8.1. By Product Type (in Value %)
8.2. By Application (in Value %)
8.3. By End-User (in Value %)
8.4. By Distribution Channel (in Value %)
8.5. By Regulatory Approval Stage (in Value %)
8.6. By Region (in Value %)
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