Korean drugmaker seeks stronger ties with local authorities

A delegation from Indonesia's drug regulator BPOM pose for a photo with Daewoong Pharmaceutical officials at the latter's research center in western Seoul on August 28. (Daewoong Pharmaceutical)
A delegation from Indonesia's drug regulator BPOM pose for a photo with Daewoong Pharmaceutical officials at the latter's research center in western Seoul on August 28. (Daewoong Pharmaceutical)

A delegation from Indonesia's drug regulator has visited Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s research center in western Seoul as the Korean drugmaker seeks to deepen cooperation with Indonesian authorities on drug development and regulatory affairs.

According to Daewoong Pharmaceutical on Thursday, the delegation from Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan — Indonesia's national food and drug agency known as BPOM — took a close look at the Magok Research Center last week.

The Magok Research Center spans roughly 49,500 square meters with three basement levels and nine above-ground floors. It can accommodate more than 1,000 researchers and serves as a key research and development hub for Daewoong's global drug development efforts.

Daewoong said the representatives from the two sides discussed potential cooperation on product development and approvals in Indonesia, as well as regulatory communication for clinical development in the future.

"We were able to see firsthand how Daewoong Pharmaceutical continues to strengthen its R&D capabilities in new drugs and biopharmaceuticals while touring its new research center," said Rita Endang, a pharmaceutical adviser at the BPOM.

"BPOM will continue constructive regulatory communication with pharmaceutical companies that invest and conduct R&D activities in Indonesia."

Daewoong has pinned Indonesia as a strategic foothold for its global pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses for more than two decades. Its localization efforts have expanded beyond product exports to include local manufacturing, R&D cooperation and talent development.

"We will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities in Indonesia and other global markets to develop innovative new drugs and expand locally customized businesses," said Lee So-yoon, head of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Regulatory Affairs and Patent Center.


hwkan@heraldcorp.com