Korean ADC Developers Seek Strategies Against China's Rapid Market Rise
Seoul, Monday, 1 September 2025.
At the 3rd ADC Conference, Korean industry leaders focused on innovation and collaboration to compete with China’s growing ADC market dominance, emphasizing strategic realignment and investment.
Strategic Realignment and Investment Necessity
At the 3rd ADC Conference, held on 30 August 2025 at Samsung Medical Center, Korean industry leaders underscored the importance of strategic realignment and investment. The conference, co-hosted by Samsung Medical Center and AimedBio, offered a platform for discussing how Korea can enhance its competitive edge against China’s rapidly advancing ADC market. CEOs from leading companies such as LigaChem Biosciences and ABL Bio emphasized the need for significant capital infusion, with LigaChem recently raising 160 billion won to secure necessary funds for development [1][2].
Innovation and Collaboration as Key Drivers
The conference highlighted the dual role of innovation and collaboration as essential strategies to compete effectively. Orum Therapeutics CEO Lee Sung-joo pointed to China’s rapid advancements as both a threat and an opportunity for collaboration, suggesting that Korean companies should adopt a cooperative approach to leverage shared expertise and resources [3]. This sentiment was echoed by ABL Bio CEO Lee Sang-hoon, who advocated for Korean ‘Big Pharma’ to learn from China’s bold and entrepreneurial spirit [1][2].
Technological Differentiation and Market Expansion
In response to China’s dominance in the ADC pipeline, the conference stressed the importance of technological differentiation. IntoCell CEO Park Tae-kyo highlighted the need for Korea to establish an independent technological domain rather than competing in crowded spaces. This includes pioneering new payload strategies and balancing efficacy with safety during the development process [2]. Additionally, Korean companies are expanding into the U.S. market, both to raise additional funding and to enhance their clinical infrastructure, further solidifying their global presence [2][4].
Long-Term Implications for Healthcare Systems
The discussions at the conference reflect broader implications for healthcare innovation and systemic change. With the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing market projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated USD 311.95 billion by 2030, there is a clear need for strategic partnerships and innovative approaches to remain competitive on a global scale [5]. As Korea seeks to realign its strategies in the ADC sector, sustained investment in research and development, alongside a willingness to embrace differentiation and collaboration, will be crucial for long-term success [1][2].