[THE INVESTOR] The top 20 South Korean pharmaceutical companies’ exports reached 710.6 billion won (US$634.8 million) in the first half of this year, an 18 percent increase from the same period last year, according to the Financial Supervisory Service’s report Aug. 25.

The export amount accounted for 14.4 percent of total revenue, up from last year’s 13.7 percent.

LG Life Science led the growth with 100 billion won in sales overseas, which accounted for over 40 percent of its total revenue. Demand for its injectable filler for cosmetics use in China is growing and its new drug for diabetes also did well, according to the company.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Yuhan, Green Cross and Dong-A ST followed by sales amount, while Daewoong Pharmaceutical and Jeil Pharmaceutical topped growth rates. Green Cross was the only company that showed a decline in overseas performance in the first half.

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)