[Edaily Reporter NA EUN-KYUNG ] BukwangPharmaceutical(003000)’s first-half revenue surpassed 100 billion won for the first time this year. This marks the first time in the company’s history that cumulative first-half revenue has exceeded 100 billion won.

At an investor relations (IR) event on the 21st, BukwangPharmaceutical announced that it recorded sales of 104.8 billion won and an operating profit of 2.5 billion won in the first half of this year. Compared to the same period last year, sales rose 15.9%, while operating profit fell 49.9%.

The company attributed the revenue growth to increased sales at Bukwang Medica and growth in key products. The decline in operating profit was influenced by cost pressures resulting from a stronger exchange rate, increased outsourcing costs associated with the establishment of automated production lines, and a temporary rise in initial marketing expenses related to new product launches.

Outpatient prescription sales for strategic prescription drug products, such as the diabetic neuropathy treatments “Dexid” (active ingredient: altioctate tromethamine) and “Chioctacid” (active ingredient: thioctic acid), grew by 7% year-over-year.

Prescriptions for the central nervous system (CNS) product group also increased. Outpatient prescription sales for strategic products—including “Latuda” (active ingredient: lurasidone) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, “Zalepid” (active ingredient: zaleplon) for insomnia, and “Orfil” (active ingredient: sodium valproate) for epilepsy—rose by 32% compared to the first half of last year.

A BukwangPharmaceutical official stated, “We plan to further intensify marketing efforts for our strategic products,” adding, “In particular, we intend to expand our prescriber base through a marketing program marking the second anniversary of Latuda’s launch and strengthen our CNS portfolio by expanding new product launches.”

The current status of pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) was also disclosed at the IR event. First, BukwangPharmaceutical received approval for a domestic Phase 3 clinical trial plan (IND) to expand the indication for Latuda as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This is part of a strategy to broaden Latuda’s prescription scope and strengthen the product’s competitiveness.

Contra Pharma has filed an IND application for a global Phase 2 clinical trial of CP-012, a treatment for morning akinesia in Parkinson’s disease. This trial will enroll 80 adult Parkinson’s disease patients who are continuing levodopa therapy but experiencing morning akinesia. The trial is scheduled to be conducted at a total of 25 major specialized medical institutions across Europe, including the United States, Poland, Italy, and Spain.

In addition, Contra Pharma introduced three new platforms and tools—‘GENEVA,’ ‘SpliceAI,’ and ‘LipidLink’—during the first half of the year.

BukwangPharmaceutical official explained, “We plan to secure top-line results—the key data—by the first quarter of 2028 and finalize the Final Clinical Study Report (CSR) during the first half of that year,” adding, “We expect these new platforms and tools to enhance the efficiency and scalability of identifying new targets and expanding our pipeline.”

BukwangPharmaceutical is also strengthening its collaborative foundation with UNION KOREA PHARM CO.,Ltd, which it recently acquired. The company has completed the appointment of board members at UNION KOREA PHARM CO.,Ltd and plans to reinforce management stability and the foundation for collaboration. The company is fully launching its collaboration with UNION KOREA PHARM CO.,Ltd through contract manufacturing (CMO) of pharmaceuticals. It recently shipped its first batch of Compound Pazaim Dual Tablets (active ingredient: pancreatin), a gastrointestinal treatment, and plans to expand production of additional products in the second half of the year.

A BukwangPharmaceutical official emphasized, “We anticipate a gradual return to normalcy starting in the second half of this year,” adding, “Based on the three core pillars of our core business—‘solid growth,’ ‘tangible progress in R&D,’ and ‘successful acquisition synergies’—we will continue to achieve steady and unshakable growth in the second half of the year.”