[San Diego (U.S.) = E-Daily Reporter SONG YOUNG-DOO ] As the “2026 BIO International Convention (BIO USA),” the world’s largest biotech event, kicked off, K-Bio demonstrated an even stronger presence. Following the establishment of the largest-ever Korean pavilion, an official session highlighting the Korean biotech industry was held for the first time. With the unveiling of cases where domestic biotech ventures are conducting joint research with global Big Pharma companies, the global market’s attention is turning toward Korea. However, the biotech industry unanimously agreed that government-level support for clinical trials and commercialization is essential to achieve sustained success and stay ahead of China’s rapidly rising biotech sector.

Bio USA, which opened on the 22nd (local time) in San Diego, USA, attracted approximately 20,000 participants from more than 68 countries worldwide, with over 1,600 companies and institutions setting up exhibition booths. During the event, more than 150 conference sessions will be held, featuring approximately 950 speakers, and about 70,000 partnering meetings are scheduled to take place.

K-Bio’s Rising Profile… Largest-Ever Korean Booth ‘Bustling with Activity’

The growing interest in K-Bio in the U.S. was evident even on the roads leading to the venue. Along Harvard Drive—the main route to and from the venue—over 170 blue banners SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS(207940)were installed, drawing attention. It was unusual for Korean companies to secure sponsorship on such a large scale at Bio USA.

In particular, the largest-ever Korean pavilion was situated in one corner of the Main Street exhibition area. It was more than twice the size of the Chinese pavilion right next to it. While the U.S.-China tensions played a role, analysts noted that the growing influence of Korean companies also contributed to the pavilion’s size.

The Korean Pavilion, the largest ever organized, drew a steady stream of visitors. According to the Korea Bio Association and KOTRA, a total of 79 companies participated in this year’s integrated and partially integrated Korean pavilions, setting a record for the largest single-country pavilion in history. The total number of Korean participating companies, including those with standalone booths, is estimated to be between 130 and 140.

In fact, the two giants of the Korean biotech industry—SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS and Celltrion(068270)—each had over 100 pre-scheduled meetings, and they were also inundated with meeting requests from overseas companies visiting the venue without prior appointments. James Choi, Vice President of SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS, said, “A large number of companies in need of Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services attended this Bio USA event. “We had 90 pre-scheduled meetings before the event even began, and when we add in on-site meetings, we expect to hold over 100 meetings in total,” he said.

This year also marked the first time an official “Korea Session” focused on the Korean biotech industry was held. It served as an opportunity to showcase to the global market that Korea is a nation possessing innovative new drugs and platform technologies, going beyond biosimilars and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO).

K-Bio’s enhanced standing was also evident in examples of joint research. On the opening day, it was revealed for the first time that Korean biotech ventures Galux and Azcuris are conducting joint research with global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

The two companies were presented as a collaborative model that goes beyond a simple technology showcase to actually conducting joint research and development (R&D). With Galux, which possesses AI-based new drug development technology, and Azcuris, which develops cytokine-based small-molecule drugs, establishing a cooperative framework with a global big pharma, expectations are rising for future technology transfers and additional commercialization opportunities.

On the same day, AstraZeneca also unveiled its strategy to actively explore next-generation modalities, including AI and machine learning-based drug discovery technologies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell therapies, immuno-oncology drugs, and radiopharmaceuticals. This reaffirms the company’s open innovation strategy of actively incorporating external innovative technologies to expand its pipeline, highlighting the potential for expanded collaboration with domestic biotech ventures.

China Emerges as a Dark Horse in the Bio Sector; Government Support and Other Challenges Remain to Catch Up

However, regardless of its heightened status, the industry’s attention is turning toward China. Backed by massive capital and rapid clinical development, Chinese biotech companies are securing a large number of candidates that have completed proof of concept (PoC), thereby expanding their influence in the global technology transfer market.

Lee Seung-kyu, Vice Chairman of the Korea Bio Association, said, “While in the past, it was meaningful simply for Korean companies to participate in Bio USA, we have now progressed to a stage where we discuss substantive technology transfers, joint research, and investment attraction with global companies,” adding, “The perspective of overseas companies toward the Korean biotech sector has also changed significantly from the past.”

However, he emphasized, “China is rapidly securing the level of clinical data that global big pharma companies require and bringing products to market.” He continued, “While Korea has sufficient technological competitiveness, there are often cases where funding and support to advance to the clinical stage are lacking. We must actively support the establishment of proof of concept (PoC) through Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to create a virtuous cycle leading to technology exports, investment, and IPOs.”

Kim Rak-gon, Director of the KOTRA New York Trade Office, also explained, “Domestic biotech companies are facing various challenges—such as regulatory approvals, finding partners, and attracting investment—as they enter the U.S. market,” adding, “KOTRA is actively supporting companies’ local establishment and commercialization by leveraging its global network.”

This year’s key themes at BioUSA can be summarized as the restructuring of U.S.-China supply chains, the recovery of investment, the expansion of open innovation, and AI-driven new drug development. Global big pharma companies are actively seeking to secure external pipelines in response to patent expirations, and licensing agreements and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are expected to intensify, particularly for assets that have demonstrated proof of concept (PoC) in clinical trials.

In the technology sector, next-generation obesity treatments are emerging as the top topic of discussion. Beyond GLP-1 injectables, competition is heating up for the development of oral formulations and combination therapies that reduce side effects such as muscle wasting. Additionally, the expansion of ADC indications, as well as cell and gene therapies, treatments for immune disorders, and therapies for rare diseases, are emerging as key areas of interest. AI-driven drug discovery is also evolving beyond mere platform competition to a stage where it must demonstrate actual clinical success rates and development efficiency.

Vice Chairman Lee stated, “While the Korean biotech industry has now risen to a position where it receives sufficient attention in the global market, the real competition begins now.” He added, “Technical capabilities alone are not enough. Policies supporting the establishment of clinical proof of concept (PoC) and commercialization must be in place so that we can maintain our competitive edge against China and achieve more success in global technology exports.”