Dongkook exports MRI contrast agent gadobutrol to Japan

Dongkook Lifescience announced on Friday that a Japanese pharmaceutical company utilizing its active pharmaceutical ingredient, gadobutrol, has secured a marketing license in Japan. The Korean company noted that the export of gadobutrol follows its previous shipment of gadoteridol.

"The export of gadobutrol to Japan is significant as it marks the first commercial export to pass the rigorous approval process of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of Japan (PMDA)," said a representative from Dongkook Lifescience. "The PMDA review is typically stringent and lengthy, but with approval granted faster than expected, we will further accelerate our global market expansion."

Dongkook Lifescience leads the Korean contrast agent market, supplying products to major hospitals nationwide. It is expanding globally by obtaining approvals in key overseas markets, signing supply contracts with international partners, and registering its products.

According to Dongkook Lifescience's securities filing with the Financial Services Commission, its cumulative sales in 2024 reached approximately 133.5 billion won (unaudited preliminary figures), marking an 11.1 percent year-on-year increase. Its operating profit also grew by 40.8 percent to 12 billion won. 

From its establishment in 2017 to 2023, the company achieved a compound annual growth rate of 15.6 percent in sales and 14.6 percent in operating profit.