South Korea Launches Public-Private Council to Strengthen Pharma Competitiveness

A public‑private council aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of South Korea's pharmaceutical industry has been launched. Government ministries, public institutions, pharmaceutical‑biotech companies, related associations and industry experts gathered to discuss a wide range of issues. The council will be co‑chaired by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Vice Minister (2nd vice minister) and the president of the Korea Pharmaceutical Bio Association, operating under a joint public‑private leadership model. Key topics on the agenda include fostering innovative and quasi‑innovative pharmaceutical firms, managing contract sales organizations (CSOs), scaling up generic manufacturers and promoting exports, as well as advancing AI‑driven drug discovery and manufacturing innovation. The first meeting was held on the 2nd of the month at the Korea Hotel in Jung‑gu, Seoul. The total number of council members was noted to begin at two, though further details were not provided in the source.