[Jiwan Kim, Edaily Reporter] On the 29th, South Korea’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors posted strong gains. The pharmaceutical index rose 9.52%, with 143 of 160 listed companies advancing, while the life sciences index climbed 10.18%, with 78 of 91 stocks closing higher.

Vaxcell, Biggest Beneficiary of Regenerative Medicine Reform

Vaxcell Bio emerged as one of the market’s strongest performers after the government reclassified autologous NK cell-based advanced regenerative medicine from medium-risk to low-risk, allowing hospitals to proceed with treatment plans without conducting lengthy preclinical studies.

The company is widely regarded as a key beneficiary due to its GMP manufacturing capabilities, advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing license, and clinical experience with its autologous NK cell therapy, VCB-1102, for hepatocellular carcinoma.

An industry official stated, “The revised risk classification will not only improve patient access to treatment but also expand the commercialization of Korea’s advanced regenerative medicine industry. Collaboration between qualified cell manufacturers and medical institutions is expected to increase further.”

Orum: China’s DAC Boom Boosts Outlook

Orum Therapeutics gained momentum as investors focused on the rapid increase in global licensing deals involving Chinese biotech companies in ADC and targeted protein degradation (TPD).

The company’s DAC (Degrader-Antibody Conjugate) platform, which combines antibody-drug conjugate technology with targeted protein degradation, has attracted renewed interest. Analysts believe China’s growing leadership in next-generation modalities could further enhance the value of Orum’s pipeline, particularly ORM-1153.

IBK Investment & Securities described Orum as “a differentiated drug developer built on its DAC platform,” while Korea Investment & Securities noted that “global DAC deals are on the rise, with ORM-1153 expected to file an IND with the U.S. FDA in the fourth quarter.”

An industry expert commented, “China has become one of the world’s leading sources of innovative drug technologies. Companies that can identify and secure promising ADC and TPD assets early will have a significant competitive advantage.”

G2GBio: Expectations for Post-BIO USA Deals Rise

G2GBio also attracted investor attention following the BIO International Convention 2026, where the company held approximately 40 partnering meetings with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

The discussions covered licensing opportunities, co-development projects, and CDMO collaborations centered on the company’s long-acting drug delivery platform, InnoLAMP.

The company recently bolstered its credibility through technology licensing agreements with Samsung Bioepis and EpisNexus Lab, further fueling global interest in its platform.

A company spokesperson said, “The approximately 40 partnering meetings at BIO USA provided an important opportunity to demonstrate our technology and business capabilities. Beyond our own pipeline, we also expanded discussions to include CDMO opportunities for global partners’ assets, laying the foundation for long-term growth.”