Korea Aims to Rank Among Top Five Biotech Exporters by 2027

(this article has been updated on Jan.24, 2025 to make the text concise and cohesive)

Despite ongoing political turmoil, the South Korean government has set an ambitious goal to become a global leader in biotechnology exports within the next two years, according to Yonhap News.

The plan is to increase biotech exports to $20.5 billion by 2027—a substantial leap from the roughly $5 billion exported in 2023.

To achieve this goal, the government has outlined a strategy to heavily invest in 14 pharmaceutical companies, with a focus on biologics. In addition, a special fund will be dedicated to supporting the research and development of novel biologic drugs. The government is also working to nurture three promising biotech startups with unicorn potential.

Flu Season in Full Swing: Drug Supply Shortages in Japan

January 16
Reports from Yakuji highlight that Japan's flu season has been particularly severe this year, with the number of flu cases tripling compared to last season. This surge in patients has raised concerns among several pharmaceutical companies about potential disruptions in the supply of flu medication.

Drug makers such as Shionogi and Saiwai are warning that flu drug shortages could become a serious issue if the flu season continues at this pace.

India to Host Takeda's AI-Driven Drug Discovery Facility, Adding 750 Jobs
January 16
In a significant move for India’s biotech sector, Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda has announced plans to open an AI-focused drug discovery facility in Bengaluru. According to the Economic Times, the new center will employ data scientists, AI experts, and cybersecurity specialists to drive innovation in drug discovery, clinical trials, and patient care.

In addition to its AI initiative, Takeda is also preparing to launch its Dengue vaccine in India by 2026, further expanding its footprint in the region.