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South Korea Approves Over 50 Clinical Trials in First Quarter
South Korea approved 53 clinical trials in the first quarter of 2026, with most led by overseas entities. Data from the Korea Biomedicine Industry Association indicates a focus on antibody-based drugs and oncology. An association official stated that this reflects the country's role as a global hub for such trials.
Apr 20, 7:39 PM·1m read1 source
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South Korea approved a total of 53 clinical trials during the January-March period of 2026, according to data compiled by the Korea Biomedicine Industry Association. This averages 17.7 approvals per month. Of the approved trials, 10 cases, or 19 percent, were led by Korean developers, while over 80 percent were led by overseas entities.
The data showed that 28 trials, or 53 percent, were in phase 3 or similar stages, which are the final testing phase before commercial release. By modality, antibody-based drug trials accounted for 43 cases, or over 80 percent of the total approvals. In terms of disease areas, oncology trials made up 49 percent, followed by respiratory and immunological studies at 11 percent each.
An official from the association said the data indicates South Korea has become a global hub for clinical trials. The approvals come amid efforts to expand the biomedicine sector in South Korea. Related developments include aims to double bio exports by 2030 and the development of AI models for customized cancer vaccines, as reported in associated articles.
