[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Humedix is gaining attention amid the Biden administration's efforts to counter China. This is interpreted as expectations that the market share of the pharmaceutical raw material 'Heparin Sodium,' for which Humedix holds an exclusive domestic sales contract, will expand. Currently, China accounts for 90% of the Heparin Sodium market.
According to foreign media on the 10th, the Biden administration in the U.S. has set a policy to counter China by banning imports of Chinese products in four major categories, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, batteries, and rare earths, as outlined in the '100-Day Review Report on Four Major Items.'
As a result, there are forecasts that China's global market share of Heparin Sodium will decrease. Heparin Sodium, with China holding over 90% market share, is an anticoagulant component that cannot be chemically synthesized and is an indispensable pharmaceutical raw material.
It is used in medical fields such as preventing blood coagulation after surgery, thrombosis prevention, and blood dialysis for patients with kidney disease. Recently, its applications have been expanding to include ointments for bruise removal and acne treatments. Notably, it is a pharmaceutical raw material extracted from pig intestines and undergoes purification and processing.
The U.S. strategy to reduce dependence on China is analyzed to positively impact the expansion of Humedix's global supply of Heparin Sodium.
Humedix has signed an exclusive contract with 'Woori B&B,' the only company in Korea capable of producing Heparin Sodium raw materials, and has also acquired a 20% stake in Woori B&B.
According to the market research firm Zion Market Research, the global Heparin Sodium market is expected to grow from $9.98 billion in 2017 to $14.32 billion by 2023, showing a continuous annual growth rate of 6.2%, which is considered a positive outlook.
A Humedix official stated, "We are currently in the process of obtaining sales approval for the raw pharmaceutical ingredient from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and once clinical trials are completed, we plan to begin domestic sales of Heparin Sodium by the end of this year," adding, "We will further accelerate the localization of raw pharmaceutical ingredients."
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