Listed pharma and biotech companies have expanded their research and development (R&D) investments in Korea this year. 3 out of 5 major pharmaceutical companies increased their R&D investments from last year to discover new candidates. Pharmaceutical companies with larger sales have been more active in reinvesting in R&D.

According to the Financial Supervisory Service on Monday, the R&D investment expenses of 20 major pharma and biotech companies totaled at KRW 1.236 trillion in the first half of the year, up 12.7% from KRW 1.967 trillion a year earlier. The data was compiled from the top 20 pharmaceutical companies by revenue that submitted semi-annual reports. Ildong Pharmaceutical, which spun off its R&