We aim to be a driving force behind Kukje Pharma Co., Ltd.'s growth
as a specialty pharmaceutical company—one
that respects life and puts compassion into practice
as we advance as a global company in the 21st century.
Since its establishment in 1986, the Kukje Pharma Central Research Institute has worked to strengthen global R&D capabilities and
new chemical entity (NCE) discovery by building world-class research infrastructure and making sustained investments in R&D.
Organization
Laboratory
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Synthesis Laboratory
The Kukje Pharma Synthesis Laboratory focuses on developing novel mechanism-of-action drug candidates designed to deliver strong efficacy with an improved tolerability profile versus existing therapies.
This anti-inflammatory drug candidate originated from a government-funded project under the Market-Linked Future Drug Technology Program. Building on technology initially licensed from a university, we have further advanced it into a novel mechanism-of-action compound with a clean nonclinical safety and toxicity profile, and are now preparing for global clinical trials. If clinical studies demonstrate superior efficacy and an absence of toxicity or long-term side effects in humans, this program has the potential to become a first-in-class treatment that fundamentally reshapes the current treatment paradigm.
In addition, we continuously review promising technologies from academic institutions and, when we identify high-potential novel mechanisms, pursue technology transfer and collaborative research to integrate them with our drug development capabilities.
As part of our industry–academia–research collaborations, we are conducting joint research with faculty at domestic university hospitals on a novel mechanism antiplatelet candidate designed to maintain efficacy while reducing bleeding risk, with the goal of addressing unmet needs in the antithrombotic market.
Over the past 20+ years, we have built a strong presence in ophthalmology. To further advance our ophthalmology franchise, we are identifying and prioritizing the development of ophthalmic drug candidates targeting three major blinding diseases—macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma—while pursuing a global network strategy that includes overseas licensing and partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies. -
Pharmaceutical Formulation Laboratory
The Kukje Pharma Pharmaceutical Formulation Laboratory focuses on ophthalmology-centered therapeutics to help protect eye health in a rapidly aging society. We also strengthen our market competitiveness by developing patent-strategy first generics, with a focus on quality-of-life (QOL) and chronic-disease medicines.
We focus on applied formulation technologies that may improve patient outcomes and adherence—for example: (1) incorporating solubilization approaches for poorly soluble compounds into new drugs and IMDs to enhance bioavailability; (2) applying solubilization to suspension-type eye drops to help reduce discomfort during administration; and (3) using taste-masking technologies to improve palatability. -
Analytical Laboratory
The Kukje Pharma Analytical Laboratory develops analytical methods for NCEs to support drug development. We also review and evaluate pharmacology, efficacy, and safety data generated by external testing institutions to help inform development strategy.
In addition, to help shorten development timelines, we are building an advanced analytical platform by introducing a one-stop drug evaluation system. For generic drugs, we focus on establishing control strategies and developing analytical methods to manage genotoxic impurities—an area of increasing industry attention.