Long-Acting Injectables Gain Momentum in the New Year...Samik Pharm and G2GBio Surge[K-Bio Pulse]

[Yu Jin-hee, Edaily Reporter] On January 8th, the South Korean stock market's biotech sector (including pharmaceuticals and medical devices) led the market with a massive influx of buying interest, particularly centered on companies possessing "Long Acting Injectable" (LAI) platform technology considered a next-generation drug delivery solution.

Market analysts suggest that G2GBio, which has proven its unique drug delivery expertise on the KOSDAQ, and Samik Pharm, which has overcome the limitations of poorly soluble drugs, have high potential for further growth as they move toward potential technology exports (L/O). Conversely, for Cellumed, which surged due to the resolution of financial risks, experts advise a more cautious approach regarding its sustained upward trend.

Recent stock price trend of G2GBio. (Source: KG Zeroin MP Doctor)

G2GBio, Cellumed, and Samik Pharm Rank in Top 20 Gainers

According to KG Zeroin’s MP DOCTOR, G2GBio, Cellumed, and Samik Pharm were among the top 20 gainers in the domestic stock market. Their stock prices rose sharply by 27.91% (won 82,500), 18.15% (won 1,686), and 15.96% (won 19,980), respectively.

G2GBio received the most significant attention. The company stimulated investor sentiment by delivering a series of meaningful clinical results in high unmet need areas such as obesity, dementia and pain management using its proprietary drug delivery platform 'InnoLamp.'

A key driver for G2GBio’s enterprise value growth is the progress of its non narcotic postoperative pain treatment 'GB-6002.' Recent Phase 1 results showed that GB-6002, a reformulated version of the local anesthetic Ropivacaine as a long-acting injection maintained stable blood concentration for 72 hours.

A major strength is its significantly improved safety compared to existing components with cardiac toxicity risks as well as its ability to preserve muscle strength and accelerate recovery.

Future momentum remains solid. G2GBio successfully developed the world’s first one month formulation for dementia, 'GB-5001A,' and completed Phase 1 trials in Korea and Canada. The results showed the drug's efficacy lasting up to 98 days suggesting potential for expansion into a three month formulation.

Due to its potential to dramatically improve medication compliance in dementia patients, the company is reportedly receiving a flurry of due diligence requests from global Big Pharma firms.

"GB-5001A minimizes the consumption of high-cost polymers and ensures price competitiveness through high production efficiency."

a G2GBio official explained. "Our patented InnoLamp technology allows us to reach a 60% Donepezil loading capacity, a significantly higher payload than competitors."

Recent stock price trend of Samik Pharm. (Source: KG Zeroin MP Doctor)

Samik Pharm Joins the 'Long Acting' Ranks by Overcoming Solubility Barriers

Samik Pharm, which is transforming from a traditional pharmaceutical firm into a new drug developer, also saw its stock price soar following news of a patent registration for its long-acting injectable platform. On the 7th, Samik Pharm announced it had secured a manufacturing patent to convert the oral version of 'Baricitinib' (a JAK inhibitor) into a once-a-month injection.

While Baricitinib is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata, it is poorly soluble in water, making it technically difficult to load sufficient drug amounts into microspheres. Samik Pharm addressed this using 'Inclusion Technology,' which traps drug molecules inside a macrocyclic ring, achieving a high drug loading rate of over 95%.

This technology suppresses the initial burst of the drug and maintains a steady concentration for over a month. Samik Pharm plans to use this patent to advance its pipeline into various chronic disease treatments that require long-term administration.

"G2GBio and Samik Pharm share a clear technical goal in long-acting injectables." said Hong Soon jae, CEO of BioBook. "As the global market shifts toward prioritizing medication convenience, the possibility of technology exports for these platforms is higher than ever."

Recent stock price trend of Cellumed. (Source: KG Zeroin MP Doctor)

Cellumed Surges on Financial Risk Resolution: "Wait and See" on Trend Continuity

Unlike G2GBio and Samik Pharm, Cellumed's price hike was driven by internal financial restructuring. Cellumed essentially resolved the liquidity risks that had long weighed on its stock by successfully completing a third-party allocation capital increase worth approximately won 17 billion.

With won 13.3 billion of the raised funds allocated to debt repayment, the company's financial health is considered significantly improved. This, combined with expectations for new bio medical devices like skin graft materials led to three consecutive days of gains. Institutional investors also supported the rise with net purchases.

However, experts recommend a cautious long-term view for Cellumed. "The recent surge is likely a technical rebound from being oversold and an 'event driven' reaction to the resolution of financial risks," CEO Hong advised. "Investors should observe whether the company can produce visible results in its new businesses such as mRNA enzymes and electric scooter batteries to offset the selling pressure from the increased float of shares.“