Dong-A ST Biopharmaceutical Research Institute in Songdo International City [Photo provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Dong-A ST, an affiliate overseeing the development of bio-pharmaceuticals for Dong-A Socio Group, has completed and started moving into its bio-pharmaceutical research center in Songdo International City.
According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority on the 10th, the bio-pharmaceutical research center was constructed by Dong-A ST with a project cost of 60 billion KRW. The building is six stories above ground with a total floor area of 7,000㎡. About 100 core researchers of Dong-A ST will work here, and the move-in is expected to be completed by mid-next month.
This research center will play a pivotal role in expanding Dong-A Socio Group's future business through the development of new bio-drugs.
In January, the research center achieved approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for phase 3 clinical trials of 'DMB-3115,' a candidate drug for treating chronic plaque psoriasis. Additionally, it holds multiple biosimilar and new bio-drug candidate pipelines for treating diseases such as anemia and cancer.
In this regard, Dong-A ST began construction in November last year on a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility near the bio-pharmaceutical research center, with a project cost of 100 billion KRW and a total floor area of 15,000㎡. This facility is scheduled for completion next year and will produce specialized medicines such as treatments for diabetes and gastritis.
Currently, leading companies in bio-pharmaceutical research, development, and manufacturing such as Celltrion, Samsung Biologics, and DM Bio are located in Songdo International City, while global companies like Cytiva, Merck, and Thermo Fisher are expanding their technical support businesses in bio-pharmaceutical research and processing.
Furthermore, research and development institutions and companies such as the Lee Gil-ye Cancer and Diabetes Research Institute, Utah Inha DDS Research Center, Ludacure, Metimedi, and Voronoi are continuing to enter the area.
Lee Won-jae, head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "With Dong-A ST's research center moving in, we expect the research capabilities of the Songdo Bio Cluster to be strengthened," and added, "We will attract additional global anchor companies in the bio sector to develop Songdo into a world-class bio hub."
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