‘GSK will continue bringing innovative drugs to Korea’

Gunnar Riediger, General Manager of GSK Korea

Conducted 60 research projects last year…Korea emerges as one of GSK's top 10 strategic countries for clinical development

From oncology to adult prevention…expands investment across key therapeutic areas

This year marks the 40th anniversary of GSK Korea. Since its establishment in 1986 with a focus on infectious disease prevention and basic public health, the company has steadily reshaped its portfolio, expanding from respiratory diseases and immunology to infectious diseases and, more recently, oncology.

Korea is one of the key countries where GSK concentrates its R&D capabilities. Last year, GSK Korea conducted a total of 60 research projects, including global clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance studies, non-interventional studies, and investigator-initiated trials. Approximately 5,838 Korean patients participated in these studies, while the company's R&D investment reached KRW 31.7 billion during the same period.

Approaching both the first anniversary of his appointment and the company's 40th anniversary, Gunnar Riediger, who assumed leadership of GSK Korea in August last year, outlined a vision that positions Korea as more than simply a commercial market for its pharmaceuticals. Riediger said the company aims to expand opportunities for Korean healthcare professionals and patients to participate in global new drug development while strengthening its role in bringing innovative medicines to Korean clinical practice more quickly.

At a recent meeting with reporters, General Manager Riediger said Korea is among the key countries executing GSK's global strategy, expressing his stance to expand clinical development and the introduction of innovative medicines continuously. In addition, he presented plans to continue investment in the Korean market, focusing on respiratory and immunological disorders, oncology, HIV, and vaccines.

"Korea has world-class healthcare capabilities"...Recognized as a key clinical development hub

Gunnar Riediger, General Manager of GSK Korea

Riediger said the most impressive aspect of Korea during his first year has been its world-class healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities.

He believes these strengths are further enhancing Korea's role in the global new drug development process.

"Reflecting on my experience over the past year, Korea's healthcare infrastructure has been impressive. The country possesses world-class human resources including medical experts, healthcare professionals, and clinical trial researchers. Together, these strengths create an outstanding environment for carrying out global clinical development projects.”

GSK is currently conducting around 70 clinical development programs in Korea, primarily in oncology and immunology. The portfolio spans both early- and late-stage development, and Korea is regarded as one of the company's top 10 countries in its global clinical development strategy.

Riediger said. "Korea is an important strategic market for GSK from a clinical research perspective, Its capability to conduct research across the full spectrum of development, from early-stage to late-stage clinical trials, means it will continue to play a significant role in our global R&D efforts."

He also emphasized that innovative medicines must ultimately reach patients, and that fostering the environment is as important as R&D.

Riediger said, "Innovation should not end at R&D. What matters is ensuring that patients can actually benefit from it. Going forward, GSK Korea will continue working with the government, the medical community, and other stakeholders to improve patient access to innovative medicines and contribute to the advancement of Korea's healthcare."

Expanding portfolio around core therapeutic areas..."We will continue introducing innovative medicines"

Riediger said GSK Korea will continue introducing new medicines and expanding indications in line with GSK's global R&D strategy, focusing on the company's core therapeutic areas.

GSK's key R&D focus areas include respiratory, immunology and inflammation, oncology, HIV, and infectious diseases and vaccines. According to Riediger, GSK Korea is likewise expanding its research activities and product portfolio in line with the company’s global strategy.

Over the past year, the company has made notable progress in hematologic malignancies. Omjjara (momelotinib), a treatment for myelofibrosis, secured National Health Insurance reimbursement listing following its launch in Korea, while Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for multiple myeloma, was also introduced to the Korean market.

Riediger said, "What we have achieved for Korean patients over the past 12 to 18 months demonstrates that GSK's strategy of focusing on core therapeutic areas is translating into tangible outcomes. While continuing lifecycle management through indication expansions for existing products, we are also preparing to introduce new treatment options in solid tumors and hepatitis B."

He added, " As the approximately 70 clinical development projects currently underway begin to bear fruit, Korean patients will continue to gain access to new treatment options over the coming months and years."

Going forward, GSK Korea is also expected to play an expanded role in disease prevention. The company has long established a strong presence in Korea's pediatric vaccine market through participation in the National Immunization Program (NIP). However, as Korea enters a super-aged society, the importance of vaccination for adults and older populations is increasing, while government support remains largely focused on children.

These demographic changes present both new opportunities and new challenges for GSK Korea. The company has built an adult vaccination portfolio that includes the RSV vaccine ‘Arexvy’ and the shingles vaccine ‘Shingrix.’ Alongside maintaining its competitiveness in pediatric vaccines, expanding awareness of the clinical value and societal importance of adult immunization and fostering the market for vaccination among older adults will be key priorities under Riediger’s leadership.

Riediger said the role of vaccination must evolve as Korea enters a super-aged society. He explained that the national vaccination policy should expand beyond children's immunization to address the emerging healthcare needs of an aging population.

"GSK has long contributed to Korea’s National Immunization Program. Based on the available data, we have continued to emphasize that policymakers need to pay greater attention to the evolving healthcare needs of an aging population. A prevention-focused approach must be reflected in national healthcare policies and strategies."

"Vaccination is no longer limited to preventing infectious diseases. Its broader value, including reducing caregiver burden, lowering healthcare costs, decreasing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life, should also be taken into account. Particularly in a country like Korea, which has transitioned into a super-aged society, a prevention-focused approach can serve as an important foundation for the healthcare system."