[ESMO 2026] KDDF chief calls for targeted investment in globally competitive drug technologies
- 2026.11.13
- 56
The Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF) plans to expand support for emerging therapeutic technologies and modalities under its next funding program, shifting its focus toward areas where Korean drug developers can compete globally.
It also plans to explore collaboration with China, including joint development and investment, rather than viewing the country solely as a competitor amid its growing influence in global drug development.
KDDF CEO Park Yeong-min identified investment in new therapeutic modalities as a priority for strengthening Korea’s drug development competitiveness.
“We need to focus on areas where we can be competitive in drug development,” Park said in an interview with Korea Biomedical Review on the sidelines of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2026 in Madrid. “We also need to increase the relevant budget to accelerate the development of our drug pipeline.”
Park Yeong-min, CEO of the Korea Drug Development Fund, discusses Korea's drug development strategy with
Korea Biomedical Review on the sidelines of ESMO 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (KBR photo)
While KDDF has focused on supporting the entire drug development cycle, from drug discovery through clinical development, Park said it should allocate more resources to new technologies and modalities with global competitive potential.
He also said preparations for the next funding program would begin in earnest.
“New modalities are about to emerge in earnest,” Park said. “We need to prepare in advance to join the global drug development effort.”
The strategy is to prioritize promising therapeutic technologies rather than spread limited government funding across numerous projects. KDDF would then increase support to help accelerate their clinical development.
Read the full article on [Korea Biomedical Review]