The market capitalization of Kosdaq-listed pharmaceutical and biotech companies surged in 2024, with five companies—HLB, Hugel, Sam Chun Dang Pharm, PharmaResearch, and Peptron—recording increases exceeding 1 trillion won ($682 million) each, according to the Korea Exchange.

The total market cap of the 127 companies included in the Kosdaq Pharmaceuticals Index (KQ26) reached 55.53 trillion won as of Dec. 30, 2024, marking a 15.37 percent rise from 48.13 trillion won at the end of 2023.

This represents a gain of 7.4 trillion won year-over-year.

HLB led the growth, with its market cap rising by 3.05 trillion won from 6.56 trillion won in 2023 to 9.60 trillion won in 2024. Hugel followed with a 1.69 trillion won increase, reaching 3.54 trillion won. Sam Chun Dang Pharm saw a gain of 1.67 trillion won, while PharmaResearch and Peptron recorded increases of 1.63 trillion won and 1.54 trillion won, respectively. 

Notable gains were also observed among other companies, including Nature Cell (871 billion won), Voronoi (529 billion won), ST Pharm (515 billion won), BINEX (315 billion won), and ABL Bio (265 billion won). Companies such as Huons Global, T&L, Vivozon Pharmaceutical, FutureChem, and PharmAbcine also posted market cap increases ranging from 115 billion won to 871 billion won. 

A total of 43 companies saw their market caps rise during the year.

However, 83 companies experienced declines. Celltrion Pharm reported the steepest loss, with its market cap dropping 1.29 trillion won, followed by Medytox (848 billion won), CHA Biotech (458 billion won), and Bioneer (373 billion won).

As of Dec. 30, 2024, the leading companies in terms of market capitalization were HLB (9.60 trillion won), Hugel (3.54 trillion won), Sam Chun Dang Pharm (3.48 trillion won), PharmaResearch (2.76 trillion won), Peptron (2.37 trillion won), and Celltrion Pharm (2.36 trillion won).

Other top-ranked companies included ST Pharm (1.79 trillion won), Caregen (1.55 trillion won), Voronoi (1.47 trillion won), and ABL Bio (1.44 trillion won).