THE BLUE VANGUARD
Pharmaceuticals
Jungbin Shin, The Crucial Role of Physics Applied in Pharmaceutical Industry MAIN ARTICLES
Column
Siyun Hwang, The Shift in Public Perception of the Pharmaceutical Industry
National issues
Yoonah Jung, Intergrating AI and Multi-Omics for Personalized Cancer Treatment in South Korea
International issues
Yejoo Lee, The Role of the Global Pharmaceutical Industry in Preparing for the Next Opandemic
Campus Life Issues
Jaeeun Park, ISFP 69th World Congress in Yonsei University
26 VOLUME NUMBER
DECEMBER
2024
Editor's note
Yoonah Jung
Hello Readers!
It is my pleasure to introduce the 26th issue of THE BLUE VANGUARD, a culmination of our team’s dedication to exploring the ever-evolving pharmaceutical industry. Every article in this issue reflects countless hours of thoughtful research, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering meaningful insights.
We’ve covered a range of topics from shifting public perceptions of the industry and AI-driven cancer treatments to the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s research. You’ll also find discussions on pandemic preparedness, the growing need for geriatric pharmacology, and South Korea’s increasing impact on global healthcare, highlighted by the IPSF World Congress held at Yonsei University.
This publication is the result of a true team effort, fueled by creativity and dedication. From topic selection to design and editing, every step was approached with care to create something meaningful for you.
We hope it informs and inspires you while highlighting the pharmaceutical industry’s impact on our lives. As you read, please take a moment to appreciate the passion and effort behind every page.
Warm Regards, Yoonah Jung, The Blue Vanguard
Pharmaceuticals
• The Crucial Role of Physics Applied in Pharmaceutical Industry
• A New Hope for Alzheimer’s: Advances in Latest Treatments
• Monoclonal Antibody Medication of Alzheimer's Disease
• Current Status and Characteristics of Medical Supplies
• AlphaFold: A New Era in Protein Structure Prediction
Column
• The Shift in Public Perception of the Pharmaceutical Industry
National issues
• Intergrating AI and Multi-Omics for Personalized Cancer Treatment in South Korea
• Plasma Amyloid-Beta Oligomer; the Solution for Preventing Cognitive Decline in Early Stage Alzheimer’s
• The Future Direction of Domestic Generic Drug Pricing Policy Based on the Second Comprehensive National Health Insurance Plan
• South Korea’s Aging Population and the Rising Demand for Geriatric Pharmacology
International issues
• The Role of the Global Pharmaceutical Industry in Preparing for the Next Pandemic
• Current Trends of Blood-Based Diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease
• #Ozempic, How Weight Loss Drugs Work
• PolyPharmacy management program
•
Campus Life Issues
• IPSF 69th World Congress in Yonsei University
The crucial role of physics applied in the pharmaceutical industry
Journalist | Jungbin Shin | jungbin.shin11@gmail.com
Designer | Daeun Jeong | jolly1245@naver.com
“Isphysicsusefulforpharmacy?Ifso,why?“
Acommon misconception is that the pharmaceutical industry only applies biology and chemistry when researching and using pharmaceutical drugs. Most university students only think they need to study Biology and Chemistry for their future careers. This is not true. As much as Biology and Chemistry, Physics is commonly applied in many research and applications of pharmaceutical drugs. In this article, we will be exploring the variety of ways physics is applied in the pharmaceutical industry.
The application of physics in the pharmaceutical industry can be summarized in two ways.
1. Mesoporous materials for drug delivery
2. Nuclear medicines
Let’s start with the mesoporous materials for drug delivery. According to the dictionary, it defines ‘mesoporous’ as having diameter between 2 and 50nm. This is an exceptionally small size for drug application, leading to various usages in the treatment. Not only the size gives it an advantage but also its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and high stability in different ranges of pH gives it a huge potential. One crucial example that is being applied in current treatments the mesoporous silica nanoparticles used in the drug delivery for the oral treatment. MSN, an abbreviation for Mesoporous silica nanoparticles, is a representative physics technology in the pharmaceutical industry. It is used and known for the specific targeting of the drug and high surface area. As it has a higher surface area and volume, it can load and hold a lot of drugs than before. Moreover, it truly reduces the side effects by reducing the drug concentration on the normal neighbouring tissues. Not only in the oral treatments, MSNs can be soon applied in our body, targeting different parts of organs more safely. The future of mesoporous materials in the pharmaceutical industry seems bright.
Nuclear medicine is known as Radiopharmaceuticals. These types of drugs contain radioisotopes, which are the radioactive form of the chemicals. These chemicals can detect and diagnose many different kinds of medical conditions. Compared to the MSN’s limited number of organs applied, nuclear medicines can be applied to diverse organs, including the brain, heart, kidney, bones and others. Technically, it can be applied widely throughout the whole body. These sorts of medicines can be applied to the body through injection, oral, or different types of external devices. Then how is nuclear medicine formed? What does it look like? Nuclear medicine is formed in three parts. The first part is targeting molecules. As the targeting molecule is complementary to the antigens and signalling molecules in our body, it can specifically target the desired destination in our body. The second part of nuclear medicine is known as the linker. The linker acts as a bridge that connects the radioactive isotopes and the targeting molecule. Lastly, there is a radioactive isotope connected. Radioactive isotopes will be delivered specifically to the desired destination and will start slowly to damage the cells nearby. This is where the physics is applied. As radioactive decays are going on, such as gamma rays, when it is applied to near cancer tumour cells, they will start to decay and will make the cells nearby go through apoptosis.
Throughout many decades, chemical drugs have gone through exceptional change. Different types of drugs have been developed, and the side effects of those drugs have been improved. Now, we are going through different phases of pharmaceutical development. Physics is applied to the pharmaceutical industry and is not only creating pharmaceutical improvement by itself but also allowing diverse ways of delivering drugs. The pharmaceutical industry needs physics. Many universities around the world follow the inevitable trend of physics: they now require physics to major in pharmaceutical sciences courses. Different courses such as pharmaceutical physics are also added to the university major courses. We, as a university student, must catch up with the changing trends in the pharmaceutical industry. B
A New Hope for Alzheimer’s: Advances in Latest Treatments
Journalist | Jiwoo Kang | jiwoo1747@yonsei.ac.kr
Designer | Soyun Kang | soyun525@yonsei.ac.kr
Alzheimer’s is the most common degenerative brain disease causing dementia, with three out of four dementia patients aged 65 or older in Korea suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease as of July 2024, and the number of patients is expected to increase to 152 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s mainly shows a memory decline, but as the disease progresses gradually, everyday thinking and reasoning become impossible, and language skills are sometimes lost. In terms of neuropathology, Alzheimer’s is known to have a harmful effect on brain cells as amyloid beta protein is produced excessively and deposited in the brain. In addition, hyperphosphorylation, inflammatory reactions, and oxidative damage of tau protein, which play an important role in maintaining the skeleton of brain cells, also seem to contribute to brain cell damage and affect the onset.
The Current Treatment of Alzheimer’s
There are four main categories of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The first stage is treatment to alleviate disease symptoms, the second stage is treatment to slow the progression of the disease, the third stage is treatment to prevent disease progression, and the fourth stage is treatment to prevent disease progression and eliminate symptoms. Currently, the medical community uses treatments that are effective in stages 1 and 2, and no treatment is yet to be applied in stages 3 and 4.
An Alzheimer’s disease treatment used in Korea is a symptomatic treatment that relieves symptoms. This increases the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain and suppresses cognitive decline. It does not cure or slow the progression of the disease itself, but it also alleviates the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
A New Phase in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s
A fundamental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease has not yet been developed, so Alzheimer’s disease is considered an undefeatable disease. However, with the recent approval of the U.S. FDA, expectations that two Alzheimer’s drugs will be able to treat Alzheimer’s disease have increased.
The first drug, Leqembi, was approved by the U.S. FDA in May 2023, and later approved in South Korea as a treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease in May 2024. Leqembi is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid-beta proteins, targeting patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, or early Alzheimer’s disease. It is administered intravenously every two weeks.
The second drug, Kisunla, was approved by the U.S. FDA in July 2024, and its overall treatment method is similar to that of Rechemby, but its advantage is that it is administered once every four weeks less frequently than Leqembi and shows a 35% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline, which is higher than that of Leqembi. Additionally, if the patient’s brain scan image does not show half of the amyloid, Kisunla’s difference is that the patient can stop taking it.
Two drugs with similar treatment mechanisms have emerged, but a complete treatment of Alzheimer’s is still not within reach. Both drugs have been undergoing clinical trials for 18 months, but side effects of both drugs have been reported ranging from mild headaches and dizziness to severe cerebral edema, cerebral hemorrhage, and death. Among the patients in the clinical trial, Leqembi showed a risk of brain hemorrhage in 17% and a risk of brain tumors in 13%, and 7% of the patients administered discontinued the clinical trial due to side effects. Because of the high frequency of side effects and the possibility of progressing to a serious condition in some cases, Leqembi’s approval was rejected by the European Union. Thomas Juthoff, a medical professor at Stanford University in the United States who won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Medicine, pointed out, “The limitations of the Alzheimer’s antibody treatment are clear in that it only slows the progression of the disease and does not prevent it from progressing itself.”
Domestic Pharmaceutical Companies Developing Alzheimer’s Treatments
The pharmaceutical industry is paying attention to increasing the transmission rate of the cerebrovascular barrier (BBB) of Alzheimer’s drugs. This is because it was pointed out that the drug’s effectiveness may be weak. After all, the current treatment’s BBB transmission rate is less than 1%. Experts predict that increasing the BBB transmission rate to only 5% will have a similar effect to increasing the drug’s effectiveness by five times. Furthermore, as the amount of drugs floating in the body decreases, related side effects may also be reduced. The most notable measures for Alzheimer’s drugs are increasing the BBB transmission rate and targeting tau protein. Pharmaceutical companies are taking a third approach. A prime example is the domestic pharmaceutical company AriBio. AR1001, developed by AriBio, is the world’s first oral Alzheimer’s treatment and is undergoing phase 3 clinical trials worldwide. As it seeks to inhibit the production of amyloid-beta protein itself, this could act as a more fundamental treatment. In addition, excellent non-clinical data are used to amplify the expectations of Dong-A ST’s tau protein-targeted dementia treatment DA-7503.
We look forward to the moment when we can conquer Alzheimer’s disease through the development of various Alzheimer’s disease treatments.
Monoclonal Antibody Medication of Alzheimer’s Disease
Journalist | Dawon Lee | dalee5451@yonsei.ac.kr
Designer | In Jeong | jeong.in@yonsei.ac.kr
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common degenerative brain disorder that causes dementia, characterized by a gradual onset and progressive course. In the early stages, it mainly affects short-term memory, but as the disease advances, it leads to abnormalities in other cognitive functions, such as language skills and judgment. Eventually, individuals lose the ability to carry out everyday activities. A significant cause of Alzheimer’s is believed to be the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the brain, which occurs when excess Aβ is produced or insufficiently cleared, resulting in its buildup in the brain.
According to the Central Dementia Center in South Korea, as of 2021, there were 886,173 dementia patients aged 65 and older, meaning 1 in 10 people in this age group have dementia. Additionally, about 1 in 5 people aged 65 and older are estimated to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is considered a precursor to dementia. The average annual management cost per dementia patient is 21.12 million KRW, and for severe dementia patients, the cost is 33.12 million KRW, reflecting the significant economic burden dementia imposes on society.
Current Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Currently available treatments for dementia are mainly cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and NMDA receptor antagonists. These medications alleviate symptoms rather than provide a cure, meaning cognitive decline may continue, and other behavioral abnormalities may emerge over time, even with medication.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter essential for memory and cognitive function in the brain. In dementia patients, the acetylcholine cells are destroyed, leading to cognitive decline. Cholinesterase inhibitors help maintain normal levels of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which breaks it down, thus aiding in cognitive function improvement. These medications are the first line of treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
NMDA receptors play a role in memory and learning, but excessive excitatory amino acid glutamate stimulation can damage brain cells. NMDA receptor antagonists reduce this overstimulation, helping to protect brain cells and delay the progression of dementia. These are often used to treat patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Monoclonal Antibody Medication: Leqembi
‘Leqembi’ (Lecanemab), jointly developed by Eisai (Japan) and Biogen (USA), is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting amyloid-beta (Aβ), aimed at removing Aβ plaques in the brain. It is a refined version of Aduhelm (Aducanumab), which was withdrawn from the market due to high costs and side effects. Leqembi is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks and is effective in patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Leqembi received accelerated approval from the FDA in January 2023, with the condition that the manufacturer conduct post-market studies to confirm its clinical benefits. On July 6, 2023, Leqembi gained full approval from the FDA. This marks the second approval of an anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s treatment following ‘Aduhelm’. The FDA’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee (PCNS) unanimously recommended full approval for Leqembi by a vote of 6-0, citing the drug’s demonstrated clinical benefits in the phase 3 Clarity AD trial. In this trial, Leqembi was shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by 27% compared to the placebo group. The study included 1,795 early Alzheimer’s patients aged 50-90 who exhibited amyloid buildup in the brain, confirmed via positron emission tomography (PET) or cerebrospinal fluid testing. After 18 months, Leqembi group participants showed a Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score of 1.21, compared to 1.66 in the placebo group. A higher score indicates more severe symptoms. Additionally, PET scans revealed that amyloid deposits began to decrease in the Leqembi group as early as three months after treatment initiation.
However, concerns have been raised about the side effects of Leqembi. Not only Leqembi but also Eli Lilly’s Donanemab, another Aβ-targeting monoclonal antibody therapy that the FDA approved on July 2, 2024, can cause side effects known as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). These drugs can trigger inflammatory responses through the activation of Fc receptors in immune cells during the process of removing amyloid plaques from blood vessels, potentially leading to severe side effects such as ARIA-E (edema) or ARIA-H (microhemorrhages). In phase 3 clinical trials, ARIA was observed in 29 out of 898 participants (3%), with 6 participants (0.7%) experiencing severe ARIA symptoms. Some experts, however, suggest that the risk of severe side effects is relatively low, between 5-7%, and therefore manageable.
Leqembi’s high cost is another concern, with an annual price of $26,500 in the U.S. When factoring in diagnostic costs, annual treatment expenses can reach $85,600 in the U.S., raising questions about affordability. Additionally, the strict criteria for its use, such as an MMSE score of 22-30 and the absence of the APOE4 gene, limit the patient population eligible for treatment.
Despite these challenges, Leqembi is gaining popularity as an approved treatment for Alzheimer’s, bringing hope to patients and their families.
The Growing Competition in Alzheimer’s Treatment and the Development of New Therapeutic Approaches
With the recent FDA approval of Lilly’s Donanemab, the previously monopolized beta-amyloid antibody market, dominated by Leqembi, has now turned into a competitive landscape. Among the drugs currently in development, the most advanced candidate is Lilly’s ‘Remternetug’ (project name: LY3372993). Lilly began a phase 3 clinical trial in August 2022 in the U.S. and Japan to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Remternetug in early Alzheimer’s patients. While Donanemab shows no significant difference in treatment efficacy and administration method compared to Leqembi, Remternetug has demonstrated improved therapeutic effects in clinical trials and can be administered via subcutaneous injection.
Therefore, it seems that Lilly is aiming to quickly enter the market and establish its position by introducing Donanemab, which is similar to the leading Leqembi, and later strengthen its competitiveness with a more advanced drug, Remternetug. Eisai is also developing a subcutaneous injection (SC) formulation of Leqembi.
With the release of new Alzheimer’s treatments, there has been significant progress in the field, which previously lacked fundamental therapies. Continued research into the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease is expected to lead to the development of appropriate treatments in the future. B
Current Status and Characteristics of Medical Supplies
Journalist | Hoyeon Dam | sjk28ho@gmail.com
Designer | Seungwoo Lee | seungwu210@yonsei.ac.kr
The goals of the national medical supply system established by the World Health Organization are as follows. " To ensure access to necessary medicines, promote reasonable use of medicines, and guarantee the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines". The availability of medicines refers to creating the condition for patients to freely take the necessary medicines for themselves as the medicines are produced with marketing approval. The accessibility of medicines refers to increasing accessibility by lowering the patient's financial burden if the medicine is guaranteed or provided for actual use through direct payment by the patient or support from the country or insurer. However, rare disease treatments, old medicines with profits below zero, and infectious disease treatments in underdeveloped countries are very low in availability and accessibility. For instance, A total of 13 blood cancer treatments have been proposed to the National Insurance Review and Assessment Service's Severe (Cancer) Disease Deliberation Committee for three years from 2022. However, there were only two drugs that were set as a benefit standard in the first deliberation. In other words, the remaining 11 (85%) were eliminated from the first deliberation. It was confirmed that 6 of the 11 items whose benefit standards were not set in the first deliberation are still unpaid for health insurance. One of the main causes of death of patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants after chemotherapy for blood cancer treatment is graftversus-host disease. After blood cancer patients are transplanted with hematopoietic stem cells, it attacks one’s body with reduced immune function, causing complications such as systemic inflammatory reactions and organ damage. As of 2023, there are 633 patients treated for graft-versus-host disease, and about 35% of patients are unable to be treated using existing treatments and need to use new treatments. In this case, severe patients and medical staff are individually requesting imports through the Korea Rare Medicine Center to obtain treatments that are not supplied in Korea. Therefore, to achieve the goals of the medical supply system, the country should manage medicine with public intervention and private intervention strategies.
Domestic medicine suppliers include pharmaceutical companies, medicine importers, wholesale in medicine wholesalers, retail in pharmaceutical establishments, herbal medicine companies, safety emergency medicine sellers, and the Korea Rare Essential Medicine Center.
According to the above, pharmaceutical companies not only develop new medicines but also supply medicines. There are three main factors that affect pharmaceutical companies' medicine supply
The first is the rate of return on R&D investment
Although the profit rate is higher than that of other industries, disease treatments with a small number of patients may not be developed or production may be stopped due to marketability problems. Infectious disease vaccination drugs and treatments occurring in underdeveloped countries with low economic levels need to be developed, but there is a problem that the possibility of recovery of investment costs is very low.
The second is the risk of R&D investment
With the cost of successful new drug development estimated at more than $2.87 billion as of 2013, patent applications after material development will be protected for 20 years, however, the actual market period will be 10 years, which takes a long time to recover R&D investment funds, which is a very high risk of R&D investment.
The third is the patent system
The patent system guarantees exclusive sales to new drug development companies for a certain period to provide incentives to continue research and development activities, and strategic patents are obtained by extending lines of formulations, capacities, and composites months before the existing patents are completed. This patent system protects new drugs but on the other hand, it hinders the growth of the generic market. To reduce drug prices, it is necessary to revitalize the generic industry.
The pharmaceutical company's drug supply status in 2021, there were 609 domestic drug production industries, and 27,395 items were produced. After the division of medicine, the specialty drug market grew, and the growth potential of foreign-invested companies was remarkable. The competition patterns of domestic pharmaceutical companies focus on market expansion through promotional activities rather than price competition, and much of R&D focuses on first generics and improved new drugs. The problem with pharmaceutical company's supply of medicines is that the supply of rare drugs is unstable. A monopoly market may form in the case of rare essential drugs without alternative treatments, and monopolistic pharmaceutical companies will gain the upper hand in drug price negotiations
In a wholesale drug supply system, drug wholesalers are in charge of distributing medicines, such as handling, storing, and delivering medicines so that they can be supplied by pharmaceutical companies and delivered to retailers well. Good supply practices (GSP) is the only one in the world stipulated to comply with the law. In the pharmaceutical wholesale industry, it is regulated that drugs cannot be sold unless they are qualified by KGSP facilities, which are strongly legislated. This is a pharmacist law that stipulates the business guidelines for quality control and supply management that should be followed in the pharmaceutical wholesale distribution industry, which emphasizes the specificity of pharmaceuticals. It is mandatory to manage the quality of the distribution process. The problem with the supply of medicines at wholesalers is that the total number of distributors has surged as licensing regulations have been eased, and the number of small wholesalers is very large. After the division of medicine, market entry was liberalized by the abolition of the regulation on the area limit of warehouses of a total of 297 square meters or more, which is the standard for wholesale facilities. Accordingly, there are administrative difficulties in quality management of drug distribution, efficient performance of quality management due to distribution complexity, and identifying responsibility in the event of drug safety. Consequently, distribution costs are included in the final consumer drug price burden, which is a financial burden. Excessive wholesalers cause price disorder, distribution opacity, and competition in the pharmaceutical industry due to the excessive distribution of small companies. It was mainly focused on rebate promotion activities by small non-competitive companies, which contributed to the popularity of rebates. As a result, the revision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act in 2011 put restrictions on wholesaler offices and warehouses, but it has not been completely resolved.
As of 21, the pharmaceutical supply system of the retail industry (pharmacy) is 23,773 in Korea, 41 pharmacies per 100,000 people, and about 40,000 pharmacists, which is a population of 1330 per pharmacist. After the division of medicine, the distribution of pharmacies is mainly formed around hospitals, and therefore the closing hours of prescription pharmacies are the same as the hospitals. Therefore, the geographical and temporal accessibility of pharmacies has deteriorated. Pharmacies are highly accessible primary health care institutions, and their functions become meaningless, and they are difficult to perform the role of comprehensive medicine history management in charge of prescription-oriented work.
The government has made various efforts to develop the medical supply system. For example, (1) Rebate double punishment. Doctors and pharmacists cannot receive unfair economic benefits from pharmaceutical companies, except for economic benefits within the scope set by the Minister of Health and Welfare. The rebate provider, the doctor who received it, and the pharmacist are all punished. (2) National Insurance Review and Assessment Service operates a Drug Management Information Center to collect and manage drug distribution information, standardize drug information, analyze and provide drug information, and conduct a survey of drug real transactions. (3) National essential drugs supply system. The designation of national essential drugs is recommended by government agencies, medical associations, and the Emergency Medical Association, and is confirmed through the National Emergency Drug Safety Supply Council. National essential medicine storage is purchased, stockpiled, and distributed at the Korea Rare Medicine Center. (4) By preventing the discharge of drugs that are essential for the patient's treatment and providing them stably, there is no setback in the patient's treatment, and the indiscriminate use of high-priced drugs is inhibited. Nevertheless, looking at the current situation, the government must step up to closely examine the medicines’ development, distribution, and supply processes, to find complementary points, and respond legally to establish a medical supply system that satisfies all citizens. creases. B
AlphaFold: A New Era in Protein Structure Prediction
Journalist | Jeonghye Seol
Designer | Dahyun Ryu
T| kkum3719@gmail.com | dahyunryu@yonsei.ac.kr
he Importance of Proteins and Protein Structure Determination: proteins are essential building blocks of life, playing crucial roles in various biological processes, including cellular composition, enzymatic reactions, hormonal regulation, and immune responses. These complex molecules are composed of amino acid chains linked in specific sequences, which fold into unique three-dimensional structures due to intricate interactions between the amino acids. The relationship between a protein’s structure and its function is intrinsic, making it vital to predict and understand protein structures from their amino acid sequences to comprehend biomolecular activities.
Evolution of Protein Structure Determination Methods
Researchers have employed various techniques to elucidate protein structures over the years. Traditional experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have been widely used. While these methods offer high accuracy, they are often time-consuming and labor-intensive. Computer simulations have also been utilized to predict structures, but they frequently suffer from low accuracy due to imprecise energy functions.
The advent of DNA sequencing technology has led to an explosion of protein sequence information. However, relying solely on traditional experimental methods or existing computer simulations proved insufficient to interpret this wealth of new data effectively. This gap between protein sequence information and three-dimensional structural data created a pressing need for more efficient and accurate methods of protein structure determination. That’s where AI technology comes in.
As artificial intelligence has gained prominence across various fields, researchers began exploring its potential in protein structure prediction. One of the most significant outcomes of these efforts is AlphaFold, developed by Google DeepMind. This AI-based technology takes protein amino acid sequences as input and accurately predicts their threedimensional structures. Looking ahead, if experimental methods are used to validate AI-predicted protein structures, it is anticipated that the time and economic costs associated with protein structure prediction could be significantly reduced.
AlphaFold:
A
Game-Changer in Protein Structure Prediction
AlphaFold is an AI-powered protein structure prediction system developed by Google DeepMind. It is designed to predict the 3D structures of proteins with remarkable accuracy. The name “AlphaFold” reflects the protein folding process and follows the naming convention of Google DeepMind’s Alpha series, which began with AlphaGo.
Google DeepMind first introduced AlphaFold 1 at the CASP13 competition in 2018. CASP (Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction) is a biennial competition that has been running since 1994, challenging participants to predict protein structures using computational methods alone, without experimental assistance. The competition operates as a “blind test,” presenting protein structures that have been experimentally determined but not yet published. In 2020, at CASP14, AlphaFold 2 was unveiled, demonstrating significantly improved performance in protein structure prediction and winning the competition, thereby gaining international recognition. In 2022, DeepMind announced AlphaFold 3, which reportedly has the capability to predict both protein structures and their interactions.
A Brief Overview of AlphaFold
Models AlphaFold 1, introduced at CASP13 in 2018, employed the following techniques:
- Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA): This method aligns multiple protein sequences to analyze similarities and differences, helping to identify evolutionary relationships between amino acids.
- Deep Neural Networks (DNNs): These AI systems process data through multiple layers of neural networks, effectively learning patterns and making predictions. In AlphaFold, DNNs learn distances and angles between amino acids based on MSA data, assessing protein structure stability.
- Rosetta Program: This software, used for protein structure prediction and design, helps infer and optimize the threedimensional structure of proteins by identifying the most stable structure considering amino acid combinations.
AlphaFold 2, released in 2020, built upon its predecessor with several improvements:
- Expanded MSA-based Learning Data: It utilizes two types of MSA data - one from protein sequence databases and another template-based pair-representation data that maps relationships between protein sequences and structures.
- Evoformer: This new network structure learns relationships between amino acids within MSA and pair-representation data, effectively understanding amino acid interactions.
- End-to-End Protein Structure Prediction: This approach integrates all processes within a single model to derive results, simplifying the prediction process and effectively handling data interactions.
Summary
AlphaFold, a revolutionary AI system developed by Google DeepMind, has made significant strides in protein structure prediction, transforming the landscape of life sciences and pharmacology. This cutting-edge technology harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to accurately forecast the three-dimensional configurations of proteins, providing researchers with invaluable insights into protein functions and interactions. Such a breakthrough is particularly crucial for advancing drug discovery and enhancing our understanding of various diseases. As AlphaFold’s applications continue to expand across diverse areas of life sciences, the synergy between AI and biological research is poised to reshape traditional research methodologies. This integration is expected to play a pivotal role in driving innovations that could ultimately lead to substantial improvements in human health and well-being. B
The shift in public perception of the pharmaceutical industry
Journalist | Siyun Hwang | siyun8097@naver.com
Designer | Dawon Han | hdwdw313@yonsei.ac.kr
The pharmaceutical industry, a crucial pillar of modern healthcare, has undergone significant shifts in public perception over the past few decades. Once viewed primarily as a contributor of innovation and public health improvement, the industry is now often seen through a more critical lens, shaped by issues such as rising drug prices, marketing practices, and ethical considerations. This article explores the evolution of public perception regarding the pharmaceutical industry, examining the factors contributing to this shift and its implications for future relationships between the industry, healthcare professionals, and the public.
Historical Context
In the mid-20th century, the pharmaceutical industry was largely celebrated for its contributions to medicine and public health. Breakthroughs such as antibiotics, vaccines, and treatments for chronic conditions have positioned pharmaceutical companies as key contributors in the fight against disease. The post-World War II era witnessed a surge in research and development, leading to significant improvements in quality of life and life expectancy. Public perception was largely favourable. In that, the industry was simply seen as a partner in enhancing health outcomes.
However, this golden era began to deteriorate towards the end of the century, as numerous factors converged to alter the landscape. The emergence of high-profile scandals, combined with increasing media scrutiny, began to raise questions about the ethics and motivations behind pharmaceutical practices.
Factors Influencing the Shift
1. Rising Drug Prices: One of the most significant factors contributing to the shift in perception is the rising cost of prescription medications. As drug prices soared, particularly in the United States, public frustration grew. Life-saving medications, such as insulin and EpiPens, became representative of an industry perceived as prioritising profit over patient welfare. This led to widespread protests and calls for reform, diminishing the public’s trust in pharmaceutical companies.
2. Aggressive Marketing Practices: The aggressive marketing tactics employed by pharmaceutical companies have also played a pivotal role in reshaping public opinion. Direct-to-consumer advertising, while legal in some countries, has raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that such practices promote over-medication and create demand for drugs that may not be necessary, or even worse, harmful, thereby fuelling scepticism about the industry’s intentions. This can be exemplified through Johnson & Johnson’s aggressive marketing of the antipsychotic medication Risperdal for off-label uses, including for children and elderly patients, despite serious safety concerns associated with the drug. The company faced legal repercussions, including a $2.2 billion settlement in 2013 for illegally promoting Risperdal and other medications for unapproved uses. The perception that companies prioritise sales over patient well-being has further decreased public trust, as many patients were prescribed a potentially harmful medication without appropriate justification.
3. Transparency and Accountability Issues: In recent years, calls for greater transparency within the pharmaceutical industry have also intensified. The lack of clarity regarding drug pricing, clinical trial data, and financial relationships with healthcare providers has increased suspicions. High-profile cases of data manipulation and unethical behaviour have further exacerbated these concerns. Violations include off-label promotions as mentioned above and poor manufacturing practices, resulting in numerous settlements and criminal fines. As patients become more informed and engaged in their healthcare decisions, the demand for transparency grows, challenging the industry for adaptation.
4. COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic had a significant impact on public trust towards the pharmaceutical industry, yielding both positive and negative results. On one hand, the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines showcased the industry’s ability to innovate and respond to public health crises effectively. On the other hand, issues such as vaccine accessibility, distribution inequities, and the emergence of “vaccine hesitancy” highlighted systemic flaws. The race to develop and distribute vaccines brought to the forefront discussions about equity, ethics, and the profit motives of pharmaceutical companies, further complicating public perception.
Implications for the Future
The shift in public perception towards the pharmaceutical industry carries significant implications for stakeholders across the board. For pharmaceutical companies, rebuilding trust is essential. As distrust among the public grows, this could lead to further suspicions towards other medical professionals such as doctors, and hence the prescriptions that they receive. In extreme cases, there are anti-vaccine movements which can threaten the global health. Companies need to adopt more transparent practices and demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility. Failure to address these concerns could result in continued public backlash and regulatory scrutiny.
Conclusion
The shift in public perception of the pharmaceutical industry is a complex interplay of economic, ethical, and social factors. While the industry has historically been viewed as crucial in health innovation, growing concerns about drug pricing, marketing practices, and transparency have led to increased scepticism. As society navigates this evolving landscape, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must engage collaboratively in addressing public concerns. By prioritising ethics, transparency, and patient well-being, the industry has an opportunity to reshape its narrative and restore trust in its vital role in healthcare. Ultimately, the future of the pharmaceutical industry will depend on its ability to adapt to changing public expectations while continuing to innovate for the advancement of global health. B
Intergrating AI and Multi-Omics for Personalized Cancer Treatment in South Korea
Journalist | Yoonah Jung
Designer | Dahyun Ryu
C| nyoonah@yonsei.ac.kr
| dahyunryu@yonsei.ac.kr
ompanies Using AI and Multi-Omics for personalized cancer treatment: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Multi-Omics is revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment by enabling more accurate diagnoses, predictions, and targeted therapies. Multi-omics refers to the comprehensive analysis of diverse biological data types, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. AI plays a crucial role in processing these large datasets, uncovering complex relationships between genes, proteins, and other biological markers, which can then be used to tailor treatments for individual patients.
By harnessing AI and multi-omics, clinicians gain a deeper understanding of cancer at the molecular level which allows them to identify biomarkers that predict a patient’s response to specific treatments. This approach enables the design of personalized therapies, improving treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. The growing emphasis on AI-driven therapies stems from the limitations of traditional methods, which may not be effective for every patient. With AI’s ability to analyze complex multi-omics data, more precise and personalized treatments can be developed, ading to better outcomes and a significant shift in cancer care.
Examples of Drug Discovery by Using AI and Multi-Omics
One notable example of drug development by AI and multi-omics is ‘Pembrolizumab’, a drug used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. AI was instrumental in analyzing large datasets from clinical trials to identify biomarkers that predict a patient’s response to Pembrolizumab. By utilizing AI to mine through genomic data, researchers identified that patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI) or tumor mutational burden (TMB) are more likely to respond positively to Pembrolizumab. This drug has gained global recognition, including approval by the U.S. FDA and South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
In addition to Pembrolizumab, ‘Samsung Bioepis’, has been actively using AI and multi-omics data to develop biosimilars and new cancer drugs. By incorporating genomic and proteomic data, the company has accelerated the development of targeted therapies. One such example is the biosimilar ‘SB8’, a version of Bevacizumab, used to treat colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The integration of AI algorithms allowed Samsung Bioepis to predict patient responses more accurately and reduce the development timeline by analyzing real-time data from clinical trials
Moreover, AI-driven advancements are being implemented in hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), where the institution is using AI to process multi-omics data from cancer patients. Through a partnership with global AI companies like ‘DeepMind’ and Korean startup ‘Lunit’, SNUH has developed graph-based deep learning model that predicts cancer progression and suggest the best course of treatment for individual patients based on their omics profiles. This approach is particularly useful for cancers that are difficult to treat with conventional methods, such as pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma.
Overcoming Challenges in AI and Multi-Omics Integration for Cancer Treatment
Despite these advancements, several challenges still need to be addressed to harness the potential of AI and multi-omics in cancer treatment. One of the primary obstacles is collaboration between data scientists, oncologists, and molecular biologists. These fields need to converge to interpret complex omics data and align them with clinical practice. The high dimensionality and complexity of omics data require sophisticated AI models capable of integrating various data types.
Data privacy and security is another critical issue. In South Korea, like many other countries, strict regulations are in place to secure patient data. However, the ethical implications of AI-driven decisions remain a concern. For example, AI algorithms can sometimes exhibit biases if the model is not carefully trained on diverse datasets, leading to disparities in treatment outcomes. Therefore, ensuring transparency in AI models is essential to build trust among healthcare providers and patients. The standardization of omics datasets is also crucial. Current data formats and platforms used across institutions often vary, making it challenging to share and analyze data across different research and clinical environments.
However, the future of AI in personalized cancer treatment remains bright. South Korean companies like ‘Yuhan Corporation’ and ‘Hanmi Pharmaceutical’ are actively exploring AI-based platforms for drug discovery. These companies are developing AI-driven models that predict drug efficacy based on patient-specific omics data, which can significantly reduce the time and cost of bringing new cancer therapies to market.
AI and multi-omics integration offers a promising path forward for personalized cancer care, but overcoming the challenges of data integration, privacy concerns, and cost will be crucial to fully realize its potential. The ongoing collaborations between South Korea’s pharmaceutical companies and AI companies suggest a future where cancer treatment is not only more precise but also more accessible to patients worldwide. B
Plasma Amyloid-Beta Oligomer; The Solution For Preventing Cognitive Decline In Early Stage Alzheimer’s
Journalist | Chan Young Kim | kkimchanyoung@gmail.com
Designer | Jin Yeong Kim | kimjin02000@yonsei.ac.kr
Today, millions of patients suffer from Alzheimer’s disease(AD); a degenerative brain disease associated with cognitive decline and loss of cortical neurons. Amyloid beta(Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are considered to be a pathological hallmark of AD. Thus many pharmaceutical companies aim to invent medication that could eliminate amyloid beta plaques, thereby resolving the loss of neurons. With various trials and failures, drugs such as Lecanemab, Donanemab were approved by the FDA, however, showed low effectiveness in patients in late stages of Alzheimer’s and merely slowed the progression of the disease. Some scholars find it nearly impossible to find a definitive cure for this disease because it is difficult to revive the dead neurons and because degenerative diseases are a natural phenomenon as time progresses.
Due to hardships of finding a cure, AD treatment should focus on ways to slow progression of the disease rather than complete recovery. It is known that providing treatment and measures in early stages of AD greatly aids the patient’s survival period. Therefore, detecting possible AD patients with minimal cognitive decline symptoms quickly and accurately is the best option for medical treatment nowadays. For this reason, a newly emerging biomarker, called Plasma Amyloid-Beta Oligomer, could serve as a solution due to its ability to predict the risk of AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in preclinical stages.
To begin with, the term: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), refers to a mental stage where the individual subjectively experiences cognitive decline. Even without objective cognitive impairment, those with SCD have a higher risk of developing AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Since SCD may be the first symptom resulting from subtle neurodegeneration, it is one of the major targets for AD prediction. According to research, detection of a certain level of plasma amyloid-beta oligomer could be a predictive biomarker for AD among SCD individuals. Therefore, for individuals concerned about memory loss, detecting Plasma Amyloid-beta oligomer levels could help predict the risk of SCD developing into AD or MCI.
Unlike detecting amyloid-beta deposition within the brain via CSF or PET techniques, sampling blood Aβ attracts interest due to its non-invasive and inexpensive approach. Additionally, blood Aβ gains importance alongside brain Aβ because peripheral Aβ can potentially elevate Aβ levels in the brain. It is also known that patients with AD or MCI have higher levels of AβO within their blood compared to those with normal cognitive function. This indicates that those with high blood AβO levels have higher potential to have cognitive decline. As such, the plasma AβO level can serve as a significant biomarker when predicting the possibility of AD occurrence.
People with SCD can benefit greatly from this technique because it could either ease their concerns or allow for preventive measures. According to research conducted by scholars mainly from Yonsei University College of medicine, participants with more SCD symptoms had higher plasma AβO levels. Additionally, plasma AβO levels both in ratio and concentration, could discriminate participants with flutemetamol PET (+) from those with PET (-). Therefore, plasma AβO levels can differentiate the degree of cognitive decline and roughly distinguish amyloid PET positivity.
Predicting the risk of AD through plasma amyloid-beta oligomer levels has already been commercialized in the market. Peoplebio; a domestic bio company, has launched a kit device called AlzOn, allowing concerned individuals to examine their plasma AβO levels and predict their risk for AD. Participants must visit designated medical institutions and draw their blood, which then is delivered to a laboratory for examination. Individuals with plasma AβO levels higher than the threshold will receive positive test results. The device is expected to raise awareness of early diagnosis of AD, reach a wide audience, and contribute to prolonged life expectancy of AD patients.
Ultimately, the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is complex, with many confounding factors including lifestyle (food, exercise, sleeping pattern), genetics, age, etc. Therefore, finding a single cure for Alzheimer’s is a difficult task, and necessarily requires consideration of the systematic biochemical reactions within the body. Slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s is our best option, and this can be achieved by early diagnosis via plasma AβO levels. With lifelong lifestyle changes, adequate medication, my best hope is that this disease will be considered like any other chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The patient inevitably ought to take their medication throughout his/her life, but still can survive without much hardship when accompanied by high medication compliance and lifestyle modifications. B
THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF DOMESTIC GENERIC DRUG PRICING POLICY BASED ON THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL HEALTH INSUANCE PLAN
Journalist | SeoYeon Choi | stellatjdus@gmail.com
Designer | Daeun Jeong | jolly1245@naver.com
Earlier this year, the government unveiled its Second Comprehensive National Health Insurance Plan, which aims to maintain 28 trillion won in health insurance reserves by 2028. The plan focuses on improving the efficiency of healthcare expenditures and implementing structural reforms. Under the vision of “Innovating Health Insurance, A Healthy Nation Together,” the plan’s primary goal is to provide essential medical services in a timely manner, promote public health, and create a health insurance system that future genera tions can rely on through continued innovation.
The plan is built around four key objectives:
1. Ensuring the supply and fair compensation of essential medic al care.
2. Reducing healthcare disparities and promoting healthy living
3. Strengthening the financial sustainability of the health ins urance system.
4. Establishing a stable supply system and fostering a virtuous cycle, particularly for the supply of medicines.
The fourth objective focuses on medicines, specifically improving patient access through value compensation for innovative drugs. This involves creating a self-sustaining healthcare structure by supporting new treatments for patients with rare and incurable diseases, promoting innovative medical technologies, and securing a stable supply of essential medicines. Detailed measures to achieve this include: enhancing access to innovative drugs, establishing a support system for the stable supply of essential medicines, and improving the efficiency of health ins urance drug expenditures.
Current Status of Domestic Generic Drugs
Generic drugs are medications that contain the same ingredients, dosage, form, efficacy, and effects as their original counterparts. They are approved after proving equivalence to the original drugs, typically following the expiration of the original drug’s patent protection and reexamination period. After submitting bioequivalence or comparative clinical trial data, generic drugs are allowed to enter the market. These drugs, which are of the same quality as the originals, encourage competition within the pharmaceutical market, helping to keep drug prices in check. This ultimately eases the financial burden on the national health insurance system while improving patient access to medicines. The introduction of generic drugs leads to a decrease in the prices of original drugs and a corresponding rise in generic drug usage. Patients benefit from lower drug costs, while society as a whole sees a reduction in health insurance drug expenditures. For the state, the increased use of generic drugs helps to cut healthcare spending. However, in South Korea, the price of generic drugs remains relatively high. In terms of sales volume, original drugs account for 66% of the market, much higher than the OECD average of 26%. On the other hand, generic drugs account for only 7% of the market, far below the OECD average of 47%. This disparity is partly due to South Korea’s lower prices for original drugs and higher prices for generics compared to other countries. When there is little price difference between the two, doctors and patients tend to favor original drugs, which have more established clinical data, further reducing the incentive to prescribe generics.
The Generic Drug Pricing System
1. Pricing System
Since 2020, a differential pricing system has been in place. The base price for generics is set at 53.55% of the original drug’s price. To qualify for this rate, generic drug manufacturers must meet two government requirements: conducting in-house bioequivalence tests and using registered active pharmaceutical ingredients (DMF - Drug Master File). If both requirements are met, the generic is priced at 53.55% of the original drug. The prices of generics listed from the first to the twentieth are fixed at this rate.
If only one requirement is met, the price is reduced to 53.55% × 0.85. If neither requirement is met, the price is reduced by multiplying 53.55% by 0.85 twice, resulting in a 15% reduction for each unmet criterion. Starting from the 21st generic, prices are automatically set at 85% of the lowest price among the first 20 generics. For example, the 21st generic will be priced at 85% of the lowest-priced generic, and the 22nd will be priced at 85% of the 21st.
2. Post-Management Pricing Policies
Generic drug prices are often lowered through post-management policies, which ensure that prices remain appropriate by considering the value of the drugs after they’ve been listed. This system allows for the efficient management of health insurance finances and involves three main mechanisms: regular reviews, contract-based individual drug reviews, and temporary reviews due to regulatory changes or new policies.
Usage Volume-Price Linkage Negotiation: This system, introduced to manage drug expenditures more rationally, shares financial risks between the government and pharmaceutical companies. The cost of drugs depends on both price and volume. If the actual usage volume exceeds predictions or a certain threshold from the previous year’s claims, the price can be reduced through negotiations with the National Health Insurance Corporation.
Real Transaction Price Surveys: Conducted every two years, these surveys compare the actual transaction prices of drugs at healthcare institutions with their official listed prices. If the actual transaction price is lower than the listed price, the official price can be adjusted accordingly.
Expansion of Usage Scope: If a drug’s indications are expanded or reimbursement criteria are modified, leading to an increase in its usage, the price can be reduced to offset the additional cost to the health insurance system.
Other Measures: These include price re-evaluations and adjustments to the existing drug list to ensure that generics remain a cost-saving option for both the healthcare system and patients.
Issues and Future Plans for Drug Price Reduction Policies
1. Issues
The domestic pharmaceutical industry has traditionally relied on generic drug sales to generate profits, which in turn fund the development of new and improved drugs. As such, additional price cuts for generics could discourage investment in pharmaceutical R&D. There are also concerns about a potential decrease in drug self-sufficiency, which could lead to supply shortages. As dependence on imported drugs grows, another round of across-the-board price cuts could further increase reliance on foreign products, potentially causing the domestic pharmaceutical industry to collapse. For example, after the 2012 price cuts, the country’s drug self-sufficiency rate dropped from 80.2% in 2011 to 60.1% in 2021. Finally, despite repeated price-cutting policies since 2013, the intended outcomes have not materialized. Drug expenditures continue to rise, and the number of listed health insurance drugs has steadily increased.
2. Future Prospect
One key policy involves providing preferential pricing for national essential drugs that use domestically produced raw materials. Newly listed generics containing essential drug ingredients that use domestic raw materials will receive higher pricing than other generics, at 68% of the original drug’s price. Additionally, if an existing generic designated as a national essential drug switches from foreign to domestic raw materials, procedures will be put in place to adjust the pricing to reflect the increased costs.
The government is also developing a medium- to long-term strategy to integrate the currently fragmented drug pricing adjustment mechanisms. These mechanisms include the usage-volume price linkage management system by the National Health Insurance Corporation, the re-evaluation system by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, and the real transaction price-based price reduction system. There have been concerns about the possibility of excessive price adjustments if these systems are not properly aligned. Therefore, the government plans to conduct research to streamline these mechanisms and prevent unnecessary price reductions.
Additionally, the government will continue to re-evaluate the appropriateness of drug coverage, particularly for off-patent drugs. If a drug’s price in Korea is higher than in other countries, price adjustments will be considered. Off-patent drugs for chronic diseases, with many generics available, will be prioritized for re-evaluation, while essential drugs required for stable supply will be exempt.
Lastly, the government plans to review the structure of generic drug pricing and strengthen the usage-volume price linkage system. The goal is to increase the use of high-quality generics, encourage fair competition, and rationalize drug prices. Planned improvements include raising the price reduction rates for drugs with high claims and adjusting the exclusion criteria for drugs with claims under 2 billion won to 3 billion won.
South Korea’s Aging Population and the Rising Demand for Geriatric Pharmacology
Journalist | Yunseo Lee | amylase37@yonsei.ac.kr
Designer | Seonu Hong | hsw5020@yonsei.ac.kr
South Korea is witnessing a demographic shift, with its population aging faster than most developed countries. According to the data from Statistics Korea, the proportion of senior citizens is forecast to surpass 20 percent in 2025, and over 40 percent in 2050 (1). This would make South Korea a “super-aged society”, a term that refers to when the share of people aged 65 years or more is 21% or higher (2). This trend brings challenges to the healthcare system, as older adults are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions that require ongoing medical attention, and stresses the importance of geriatric pharmacology. Geriatric pharmacology is a field that studies all the aspects pertinent to the use of medications in older people (3). It is based on the fact that people’s physical adaptations and responses to medications change over time as they age. Older adults are more vulnerable to drug interactions, side effects, and changes in how their bodies process medications. As the aging population grows, so does the need for age-appropriate medication management to address these challenges.
Age-associated Changes in Pharmacokinetics
The major changes that occur in ones’ body as one ages can be categorized into the following:
Absorption: Absorption rates may be slightly decreased over time, and gastric pH decreases as well. The interactions between the drug and food, and in between the drugs, may alter the absorption. Although it is good to consider such change, absorption is generally not of clinical significance.
Distribution: There are great changes to the distribution, such as greater blood-brain barrier permeability, the proportion of fat to water in the body, and decreased plasma proteins such as albumin. The following prescribing implications must be taken into account. Lipophilic drugs, which have a larger volume of distribution, will result in the drug remaining in the body longer and leading to a longer half-life.
Metabolism: Liver mass and blood flow decreases, causing drug metabolism and clearance to decrease. For such cases, lower dosages may be more therapeutic for the elderly patient.
Elimination: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases. Additionally, muscle mass decreases while fat stores increase, demonstrating an inversely proportional relationship. Prescribing implications that must be considered for this category are the following: Serum Cr no longer becomes a reliable measure of kidney function, and it is recommended to estimate CrCl (Creatinine clearance) using the formula (4).
South Korea’s Limited Progress in Geriatric Pharmacology
Despite the growing elderly population, South Korea’s advancements in geriatric pharmacology remain severely limited. While there have been efforts to address the needs of the elderly, the healthcare system has not fully adapted to the increasing demand for specialized care. Investment in geriatric-specific education, research, and the development of age-appropriate medications has lagged behind other nations. Most importantly, the pharmaceutical expenditure has increased steadily over the years. A study from the Natural Library of Medicine indicates that South Korea’s pharmaceutical expenditure increased by 38.5% from 19.9 billion USD to 27.6 billion USD, from 2011 to 2020 (5). This indicates an unfortunate implication: the increase in multimorbidity and polypharmacy in the elderly.
With the rise in the elderly population and a healthcare system focused on treating individual diseases, managing multiple health conditions and treating individual diseases with multiple drugs has become unavoidable. Additionally, disease-centered medical practices often lead to prescription cascades. A study using 2018 National Health Insurance data revealed that 35.9% of seniors aged 65 and older take five or more medications. Of these, 44.7% are potentially on inappropriate medications, and 30.6% received duplicate prescriptions for the same drug on the same day from different healthcare providers (6). Those with more prescriptions experience worse outcomes, including higher mortality rates, adverse drug reactions, increased medical costs, and reduced quality of life. To address this, a patient-centered geriatric care model is needed—one that accounts for a patient’s full medical history and unmet needs. However, the current Korean medical system makes such a comprehensive approach difficult. Moreover, considering the financial burden increasing amongst the elderly population, the increase in pharmaceutical expenditure is undesirable. Supporting such claims, South Korea’s old-age poverty rate in 2018 was found to be 43.4%, which is the highest among OECD countries that rank an average of 13.1% (7). Without significant reforms, the country risks facing a healthcare crisis, as the elderly population continues to outpace improvements in medical support tailored for them.
A Call to Action
As South Korea’s population ages at an unprecedented rate, the healthcare system must act swiftly to meet the rising demand for specialized geriatric care. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies must prioritize the development of a comprehensive geriatric care framework that includes polypharmacy management, education on age-appropriate medications, and a shift towards patient-centered care. Without significant changes, the health outcomes of older adults will continue to deteriorate, leading to higher medical costs, greater strain on healthcare resources, and a lower quality of life for the elderly. Now is the time for decisive action to build a sustainable, elder-friendly healthcare system that ensures older adults receive the care they need and deserve. B
The Role of the Global Pharmaceutical Industry in Preparing for the Next Pandemic
: A Focus on Vaccine Development
Journalist | Yejoo Lee | minthime04@gmail.com
Designer | Dawon Han | hdwdw313@yonsei.ac.kr
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the necessity of developing strategies to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases with a high likelihood of future outbreaks. In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 was identified in Wuhan, China, which led to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic infected over 770 million people worldwide and resulted in more than 7 million deaths. The pandemic imposed substantial public health and societal costs, along with significant indirect health impacts. The global decline in mental health and the increased mortality caused by delays in treatment for other diseases are prime examples. Beyond its direct effects on human health, the pandemic caused unprecedented negative impacts on education, economies, and various other sectors.
Although the WHO declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2023, experts warn that the next pandemic crisis is not a question of “if,” but “when.” The interval between viral infectious disease outbreaks has been shortening recently, which is a concerning trend. Particularly since 2000, infectious diseases that have caused pandemics have been predominantly caused by zoonotic viruses, highlighting the growing threat of zoonotic diseases. In order to prepare for the next pandemic, the global pharmaceutical industry must take proactive measures, including vaccine development.
The Importance of Vaccines in Preparing for a Pandemic
Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic was due not only to public health measures such as hygiene protocols and social distancing policies but also to the rapid development and introduction of mRNA vaccines. The first vaccine was developed in approximately nine months, and to date, over 13 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. It is estimated that vaccination prevented over 14 million deaths in 185 countries during the first year of vaccine distribution alone. According to a study conducted in the United States, without the COVID-19 vaccines, between December 2020 and November 2022, there would have been an additional 120 million COVID-19 infections, 18.5 million more hospitalizations, and 3.2 million more deaths. Beyond the reduction of infections and deaths, research has shown that vaccination contributed to significant economic benefits. Vaccination is estimated to have saved $1.15 trillion in healthcare costs in the United States alone.
The mRNA Vaccine Platform is the Key
The mRNA vaccine platform, which contains the genetic information for producing vaccine antigens, offers an easier and faster method of antigen production compared to traditional vaccine platforms. Building on the successful commercialization of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, mRNA vaccine research is now regarded as a next-generation platform capable of controlling infectious disease outbreaks and rapidly responding to the emergence of novel and re-emerging viruses. mRNA vaccines are non-infectious agents that do not integrate into the host cell’s DNA, making them safe, while their structural modifications can be easily adjusted.
Additionally, their production in a cell-free environment distinguishes them from traditional vaccine platforms in terms of quicker production and lower costs. Currently, two types of mRNA vaccine platforms are under development: nonreplicating mRNA and self-amplifying mRNA.
The conventional non-replicating mRNA vaccine platform contains the target antigen and includes untranslated regions (UTRs) at the 5’ and 3’ ends, along with a poly-A tail of 40-120 nucleotides. In contrast, the self-amplifying mRNA vaccine platform leverages viral replication systems derived from alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and picornaviruses, enabling continuous RNA production within cells. The self-amplifying mRNA platform offers advantages such as reducing vaccine dosage and eliciting sufficient antibody responses with a single administration, thereby making vaccination more cost-effective. As a result, there is a shift from the non-replicating mRNA platform to the selfamplifying mRNA platform. Ongoing research is focused on optimizing the untranslated regions (UTRs) and coding sequences of mRNA to improve vaccine stability and efficacy, as well as enhancing mRNA delivery systems.
The Critical Role of Speed in Vaccine Development During a Pandemic
One of the key factors that enabled the unprecedented rapid development of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines was the global sharing of pathogen genetic information via the internet, coupled with the active use of AI and big data in vaccine design. As a result, laboratories around the world were able to develop mRNA vaccines using synthetic SARS-CoV-2 genes, which encode the spike protein, without the need to obtain the virus itself. Just 60 days after the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was shared online, Moderna’s mRNA vaccine entered clinical trials, and 10 months later, both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccines received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. These digital vaccines utilize AI technologies to analyze a vast library of vaccine candidates and sequence data, allowing for rapid identification of potential vaccine targets. During clinical trials, AI can help collect and analyze data on side effects based on patient variables such as age, gender, and pre-existing conditions, creating a database that can inform both vaccine design and production. This fully automated process, enabled by AI, offers the added advantage of providing remote guidance and support.
Conclusion
While this article has focused on the key technologies to watch in the event of a future pandemic, it is crucial that proactive research be conducted during non-pandemic periods to better prepare for future outbreaks. The development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was made possible through decades of research following the initial production of synthetic mRNA, and it would not have been feasible without advances in lipid nanoparticle delivery systems or prior research on vaccine targets during earlier pandemics. Therefore, fundamental research aimed at deepening our understanding of various viral families and developing effective vaccines must precede future pandemics. For example, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) focuses on researching viruses with pandemic potential, while the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aims to create a comprehensive prototype vaccine library targeting a wide range of viral pathogens. Additionally, although the mRNA platform introduced earlier received emergency approval during the COVID-19 pandemic, further research is required to improve vaccine delivery, heat stability, administration methods, and vaccine production and purification systems. Studies focused on improving safety by preventing degradation by nucleases in the body, as well as investigations into the effects of mRNA vaccines on innate immune responses, are also necessary. While the establishment of preemptive response systems and policy frameworks by governments and national institutions is vital in preparing for the next pandemic, the role of the pharmaceutical industry in developing technologies to eradicate infectious diseases will be of paramount importance. B
Current Trends of Blood-Based Diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease
Journalist | Hyemin Park | aeternamarbar@yonsei.ac.kr
Designer | Inhyeok Kim | inhyeok0802@yonsei.ac.kr
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss.
The graph represents a steady increase in the number of Alzheimer’s cases globally from 2000 to 2025.
As shown in Figure 1, the Alzheimer’s disease incidence rate is growing due to the solidification of an aging society. The increasing incidence rate of the disease has become a great issue for the pharmaceutical community studying the diagnosis and treatment.
Traditionally, diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has relied on clinical assessments, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. However, these methods are often invasive, expensive, and inaccessible. As a result, there has been a growing interest in developing blood-based biomarkers for early and accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease. This article explores the historical development, advancements, and current trends in blood-based diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease.
The initial search for blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s began in the 1990s, with researchers seeking to identify proteins or molecules in the blood that correlated with the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain which damages brain cells. They found that, in Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques accumulate and the tau tangles form in the brain. As a result, early efforts focused on measuring total tau, amyloid-beta (Aβ) levels. However, these biomarkers often showed poor sensitivity and specificity, primarily due to the role of the blood-brain barrier in limiting the direct transfer of these molecules into the bloodstream.
One of the significant breakthroughs came in the 2000s when researchers identified that specific phosphorylated forms of tau, such as p-tau181 and p-tau217, which are phosphorylated forms of the tau protein, where a phosphate group is added at the 181st or 217th amino acid position., were more closely associated with Alzheimer’s pathology than total tau. These findings set the stage for more focused research on tau phosphorylation and its potential as a diagnostic marker in the blood.
In the past decade, advancements in assay technologies and understanding Alzheimer’s pathology have significantly improved the sensitivity and accuracy of blood-based biomarkers. For example, the development of ultra-sensitive detection methods, such as Single Molecule Array technology, which allows for detecting very low concentrations of p-tau in the blood and providing accurate results, has enabled the measurement of minute concentrations of p-tau and other biomarkers in plasma.
Studies have shown that amyloid plaques in the brain can trigger an increase in tau phosphorylation, including at the 217th site. Namely, p-tau217 levels rise as the disease progresses in response to the accumulation of amyloid plaques. This fact makes p-tau217 a highly specific and early marker of Alzheimer’s disease progression, even before the onset of significant cognitive symptoms.
Currently, several blood tests are under development and promising in clinical settings. The PrecivityAD2 test, also known as APS2, uses a combination of plasma p-tau217 and the ratio of amyloid-beta 42 to amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ42/ Aβ40) to identify Alzheimer’s disease with about 90% accuracy, outperforming traditional diagnostic methods used by specialists and primary care physicians. This test is particularly significant because it can be used in routine clinical practice and does not require the extensive infrastructure needed for PET scans or CSF analysis, which are invasive and costly procedures to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.
Despite these advancements, there are still challenges to overcome before blood-based diagnostics can be widely implemented. One of the main challenges is establishing standardized protocols and guidelines for using these tests in diverse clinical settings. The Alzheimer’s Association is currently developing clinical practice guidelines for incorporating blood biomarkers into routine care, which will help ensure consistency and reliability across different healthcare providers.
Additionally, researchers are still exploring other potential blood-based biomarkers that could complement existing tests. For instance, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are being studied for their ability to track disease progression and differentiate Alzheimer’s from other forms of dementia. Integrating these biomarkers could provide a more comprehensive understanding of disease pathology and help monitor therapeutic responses.
The development of blood-based diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease represents a significant advancement in the field of neurodegenerative research. While challenges remain, the ability to detect Alzheimer’s early and accurately using a simple blood test has the potential to revolutionize how to diagnose and treat the disease. As research continues to evolve, these tests may become a standard part of clinical practice, enabling earlier intervention and better outcomes for patients at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. B
#Ozempic, How Weight Loss Drugs Work
Journalist l Dakyung Baik l dakyungbaik@gmail.com Designer l Chaerin Oh l cherin02@naver.com
The #Ozempic trend on TikTok has led to a surge in public interest and demand for Ozempic, a drug that facilitates weight loss. The possibility of medication-induced weight loss in a short time has sparked the interest of thousands. Even Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has admitted that he was taking Wegovy, a drug similar to Ozempic. Although these drugs are usually prescribed as critical medication for patients with diabetes, their rising popularity has made many people associate the drug with fast weight loss. The impact of social media on diet culture is old news, but this recent trend highlights the importance of analyzing the effects of using such weight loss drugs to solve obesity.
Obesity is abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 to be obese. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancers, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Obesity is a growing problem worldwide. To tackle this problem, scientists have begun developing anti-obesity medications that can work alongside traditional methods like healthier diets and physical exercise. These anti-obesity medications aim to achieve sustainable weight loss for those struggling with obesity. The three scientists involved in developing the blockbuster anti-obesity drugs are the recipients of the 2024 Lasker Awards for clinical research. The Lasker Awards recognize achievements in medicine and biomedical research and the association awards 6 individual winners for their work in one of the three categories- clinical research, basic research, and public service. Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen were recognized for their research on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in lowering blood sugar levels and controlling appetite. GLP-1 agonists such as Liraglutide and Semaglutide are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes or obesity.
To understand the mechanisms behind GLP-1 agonists, we must first look at how GLP-1 works. GLP-1 is a hormone made by the small intestine that triggers insulin release from your pancreas, thus lowering the amount of glucose in your blood. Not having enough insulin makes your blood sugar surge, leading to diabetes. GLP-1 also blocks glucagon secretion, preventing more glucose from going into your bloodstream. It also affects areas of your brain that process hunger and satiety, making you feel fuller after eating. GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking GLP-1. GLP-1 agonist attaches to a GLP receptor and causes the same actions as GLP-1. For those with type 2 diabetes, this medication can help manage blood sugar by triggering their pancreas to release more insulin. The satiety effect of GLP-1 agonists can also reduce your food intake. Such effects combined will often result in weight loss.
Semaglutide is a type of GLP-1 agonist that is the active ingredient in well-known weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. It is used to increase insulin release, lower the amount of glucagon released, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. Semaglutide injections (Ozempic and Wegovy) are given as subcutaneous injections once a week, and Rybelsus is in the form of a tablet that you can take once a day in the morning. The three different brands of Semaglutide were approved by the FDA in 2021 but for different conditions. For example, Wegovy injection is used for weight loss and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular death in certain adults. Meanwhile, Ozempic injection is used to lower the blood sugar levels of patients with type 2 diabetes.
WHO describes obesity as a chronic complex disease. It isn’t a simple problem that can be fixed by eating healthier and encouraging more physical activities. There are complex genetic and hormone-related factors that contribute to obesity. The traditional method consisting of a healthy diet and regular exercise isn’t enough when tackling this issue. Anti-obesity medications can work alongside the traditional method for losing weight and offer a chance for patients struggling with obesity. There are downsides to these medications, such as side effects like indigestion and increased heart rate, and concerns related to costs for these medications. We must take the time to learn how these weight loss drugs work and carefully consider the costs and benefits before jumping on this trend. B
PolyPharmacy management program
Journalist | Siyun Park | gracepark@naver.com
Designer | Jeongwoo Shin | steven1020@yonsei.ac.kr
About more than 10 years ago, the appearance of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology made the revolution in biotechnology. This technology is useful for treatments of incurable diseases. Last year, American biotechnology company, Intelliac Therapeutics, developed a treatment for amyloidosis patients and received FDA approval for phase 3 clinical trials. So, in this topic, I’ll write about the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation of gene editing briefly, how advanced these technologies have been, and the mechanism of the treatment for various incurable diseases.
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generations of Gene Editing
In gene editing technology, finding the proteins that guide the sites you have to cut and the restriction enzymes for cutting is important. The 1st generation uses Zinc Finger proteins and the 2nd one uses Talen for guiding to the site where you want to insert the genes. The 3rd generation is CRISPR-Cas9. The Cas9 protein cuts it off when RNA guides it to a specific site and complementarily binds to DNA. However, the disadvantage is that it cuts all doublestranded DNA.
The Appearance of 4th Generation Technology
The Prime Editing Technology(PE) appeared to compensate for this limitation. It mutates the 840th Histidine in the Cas9 protein and this mutated protein nCas9(H840A) fuses with reverse transcriptase(RT). First, Cast9 nickase is guided by pegRNA(prime-editing guide RNA) and generates a nick on the non-target strand to expose a 3’-hydroxyl group where primers bind with the RT. Then, RT synthesizes DNA containing desired edit sequence and ligated into the genome. Cas9 nickase cuts only a single strand of DNA rather than both strands, so PE is more safety than CRISPR-Cas9. Although PEs have not yet reached clinical trials, a few studies using animal models already showed cell therapy for diseases like DUchenne mscular dystrophy(DMD) caused by a single-exon deletion mutations, liver diseases caused by a G-to-A inactivating mutation, etc. However, according to the results of experimental analysis of testing PE2 editing efficiency, it was typically below 20%, and varied across target locations and cell types.
The Process of using AI in Gene Editing
For gene editing, we need to predict numerous gRNA modules with high efficacy for on-target and minimum off-target effects using deep learning algorithms. These algorithms show different steps for predicting on/off-targets in CRISPR. First, the model takes code matrix corresponding to 4 nucleotides as input. The input is passed to the convolutional layer with different sizes and you can obtain RNA-DNA matching information. And during normalization, it reduces the effect of non-informative values. Lastly, it goes to the deep learning algorithm, so you can get the classified on/off targets.
We learned about four types of gene editing technologies with simple mechanisms and the application of AI. These technologies will be advanced to make more and more precise personalized treatments based on a patients’ disease. Several biotech companies are still working to ensure that gene editing technology can be approved and commercialized through clinical trials. These technologies must be further developed to treat incurable diseases that have not yet been resolved. B
IPSF 69th World Congress held in Yonsei University
Journalist l Jaeeun Park l ong114164@naver.com
Designer l Su Yeon Kim l sooyeon0112@yonsei.ac.kr
From August 9th to 17th, the IPSF(International Pharmaceutical Student’s Federation) 69th World Congress was held at the International Campus of Yonsei University under the auspices of KNAPS(Korean National Association for Pharmaceutical Students). The theme of this event was ‘Empowering Pharmacists for Tomorrow: Navigating the Global Healthcare Transformation’. It aimed at global cooperation and knowledge sharing in the pharmaceutical field, and it was a time for about 500 pharmacy students and pharmacists from 54 countries to participate in academic exchanges and share various cultures.
This event consisted of a variety of programs, especially symposiums, workshops, and pharmacist skill development programs. Each session covered the latest pharmaceutical technology, research trends, and the strengthening of professional competence as a pharmacist. Throughout this article, we will look at some events one by one and see what major programs were there, and what knowledge and experiences participants were able to gain from them.
Pharmacy Education: Symphosiums and Workshops
At this World Congress, three symposiums were held. At the first symposium, Sergion, who is in charge of IFPMA’s Regulatory Affair, presented the theme ‘Contributions of the Innovative Pharmaceutial Industry to Global Health Progress’. He explained through various examples how important innovation in the pharmaceutical industry is playing a role in promoting health around the world. At the second symposium, UhJin Kim, a Regional Advisor at the WHO Regional Office for South East Asia, discussed about ‘Competencies and Attitudes of International Health Leaders for a Sustainable Health Society’. She detailed the challenges facing international health leaders and the competencies they should have, especially emphasizing the importance of leadership for international cooperation and sustainability. At the third symposium, Danny Kim, Head of WELT USA and also a board member of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, addressed ‘The Emergence and Changing Role of Pharmacists in New industries: Digital Therapeutics’. He argued that digital therapy is a shift in the medical paradigm beyond just technological innovation, and that pharmacists should play an active role in this new environment.
The workshops included in-depth training on the role of professional pharmacists, as well as programs dealing with the importance of polypharmacy management programs and the capabilities required of pharmacists. In addition, sessions emphasizing AI-assisted Drug Discovery, vaccine supply through epidemiological research, DCT(Decentralized Clinical Trials) were also noticeable. Not only these academic workshops, but also workshops for various Korean cultures, including Taekwondo, Korean cuisine, and KPOP was held. The cultural exchange was an important time for pharmacists around the world to understand Korean culture and build consensus beyond academic exchange.
Pharmacy Professional Development: Competitions
Also, there were three major competitions, PCE, CSE, and ISE. The first one, PCE, Patient Counseling Event, was conducted with Traditional PCE and OTC-PCE. At traditional PCE, actual prescription-based patient medication consultations were conducted about Asthma, and OTC-PCE collaborated with Daewon Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd to ensure that participants had appropriate medication consultations centered on OTC products. This allowed participants to improve their practical patient counseling skills and strengthen their knowledge of various medicines. The second was CSE, which is Clinical Skills Event. It had two categories: Beginner and Advanced. In the beginner category, the quiz was presented based on the knowledge of various major subjects learned in school. In the advanced category, the theme was ‘Ischemic Heart Disease’, so it focused on cases related to medications, diagnosis, drug interactions, first-aid procedures, and discharge medications for myocardial infarction. Lastly, ISE, Industrial Skills Event, was held under the theme of ‘Proposing marketing ideas for TPN(Total Parenteral Nutrition’ in collaboration with JW Life Science Co. Ltd, and participants had the opportunity to understand the role of the ETC marketing department within the pharmaceutical industry.
Public Health Programs
Another major programs in World Congress were Public Health programs. First program was PHC(Public Health Campaign), which was held in the form of a booth providing information on conditions such as Alzheimer, Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Disease, Depression, etc. Each booth was organized so that participants could learn health information interestingly through a simple game with a description of the disease. Second program was an excursion. At the excursion, participants experienced the field of the pharmaceutical industries by visiting various places such as Medicinal Herb Garden, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea, Handok, Onnuri Pharmacy. In the process, participants were able to learn actual drug development, manufacturing, and management processes, and gain overall operational style of the industry and practical experience in the field.
Conclusion
The 69th IPSF World Congress was the first face-to-face event held in Korea and was completed successfully in the largest scale ever. Although the event was held online in 2021, the event became an important venue for about 500 participants to exchange knowledge and discuss the future of the pharmaceutical industry. This successful hosting has sparked interest in the global pharmaceutical community among many Korean pharmacy students and made them look forward to continued participation and growth.
Next year’s IPSF World Congress will be held in Kenya, and the following year will be in Thailand with more fun and informative events. I hope that Korean pharmacy students will continue to actively participate events around the world and play an important role in the global health and pharmaceutical fields. B
Editor in chief
Yoonah Jeong 13th
VICE Editor in chief
COPY MANAGER
Jaeeun Park 13th Dawon Lee 14th
ADMINISRTATOR
Suyeon Kim 13th Design MANAGER
Jini Jeong 15th
Chanyoung Kim 12th
Hoyeon Dam 15th
Journalist
Seo Yeon Choi 13th
Siyun Park 15th
Jiwoo Kang 15th
Jeonghye Seol 15th
Yejoo Lee 15th
Dakyung Baik 16th
Soyun Kang 12th
Siyun Hwang 15th Hyemin Park 16th
Yunseo Lee 16th Jungbin Shin 16th
Designer
Jinyeong KIm 12th
Daeun Jeong 13th Dawon Han 14th
Jeongwoo Shin 12th
Seungwoo Lee 12th
Seonu Hong 14th Chaerin Oh 15th
Dahyun Ryu 15th In Jeong 15th Inhyeok Kim 16th
Farewell
Soyun Kang
It was a very meaningful time for me to learn a lot as a designer at Blue Vanguard. Thank you to everyone who joined me to grow up here. I'm going to end my activities at Blue Vanguard, but I will cherish my precious memories here and always be grateful.
Suyeon Kim
My time with Blue Vanguard has been an unforgettable experience. I’ve gained so much by collaborating with talented individuals and sharing insights about the world of pharmacy. This journey has not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to grow as a writer and a team member. Thank you to everyone who made this experience so meaningful. I’ll always support Blue Vanguard and carry these memories with me. Best of luck to all, and goodbye!
Jinyeong Kim
I have had great experience working on the Blue Vanguard design team for two years. Learning to use design software and creating my own designs was truly enjoyable, and seeing the results of many club members' efforts be realized in tangible ways was deeply meaningful. I hope that future members of Blue Vanguard will feel the same.
Chanyoung Kim
It has truly been a pleasurable experience participating as a journalist in Blue Vanguard. Before I joined the club, I was intimidated that I couldn’t write fluently nor formally, but one of the members of this club gave me the courage to join, and here I am at the end of my term with 4 clumsy, but satisfying articles. The feedback I received from our members was enlightening and has been the foundation to improve my writing skills. I thank our members for helping me throughout the journey. And also wish that every member could learn something meaningful throughout their activities in Blue Vanguard.
Hoyeon Dam
It was such an honor to be with you as a member of the Blue Vanguard. It was so meaningful and proud to write articles with such intelligent people. Through this valuable experience, I took a step forward and was really happy to join the club I really wanted to join! I appreciated so much.
Siyun Park
I’ve started Blue Vanguard since 1st grade, and time has passed so quickly. Writing the English magazine has improved my writing skills, and by researching various articles and theses, I’ve been able to learn about recent pharmaceutical trends and information. Also, it was really fun to edit and read others’ articles. I hope Blue Vanguard continues to do well. Goodbye~
Jaeeun Park
I would like to sincerely thank all the members who collaborated to complete the magazine. The two years I spent at The Blue Vanguard were truly invaluable to me. During my first year as a journalist and my second year as both a journalist and vice editor, I had the opportunity to learn and grow immensely. I wholeheartedly support The Blue Vanguard’s future activities and look forward to seeing the magazine continue to flourish. To all the journalists and designers, you’ve done an amazing job! Thanks to all, I had an incredibly fulfilling two years. Thank you!
Jeongwoo Shin
Being part of Blue Vanguard has been an unforgettable journey where I had the privilege to explore both the world of journalism and design. Though it's time to say goodbye, I'll forever cherish the memories and growth I found here.
Chaerin Oh
It was a pleasure to be part of The Blue Vanguard for 2 years. Not only writing articles, but also learning design programs was a new challenge for me. It was pure joy for me to be part of this invaluable experiences, and the best part of it was sharing those memories with all other club members.
Dahyun Ryu
It was a fruitful experience being part of the Blue Vanguard design team for two years. I was able to discover various pharmaceutical topics and simultaneously enhance my design techniques. I appreciate everyone who helped me make great memories and I will look forward to future volumes of Blue Vanguard. Thank you!
Dawon Lee
Collaborating with such talented and passionate individuals has been an absolute privilege. Through every article, we’ve not only honed our skills but also built connections that I hope will last long beyond this chapter. Thank you all for the wonderful memories and for making this journey special. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
Seungwoo Lee
It has been a true joy to work as a designer for Blue Vanguard. I sincerely thank everyone for the precious memories we created together through designing. I will always cheer for Blue Vanguard’s success. Goodbye!
Daeun Jeong
I’ve been so happy to spend the last two years at Blue Vanguard, surrounded by amazing people and experiences. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’ve learned so much along the way. I’m truly grateful for all the memories we’ve created together. Looking back, it’s been an incredible chapter of my college life.
Yoonah Jeong
It’s been an honor to serve as editor-in-chief at Blue Vanguard. Working alongside all of you to create the magazine and share insights has been such a rewarding experience. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I know Blue Vanguard will continue to thrive. Wishing you all the best in the future—Good bye:)
Jini Jeong
While working as a designer at Blue Vanguard, I was able to experience and learn a lot. In particular, there were many difficulties while working as a design manager, but I gained more. I think it's cool to make a journalist with other members. I think it was possible because all the members did what was given to them Thank you to everyone and I hope you do well next year.
Seoyeon Choi
Over the past two years, I have been truly happy to have the opportunity to share my interest in pharmacy as a journalist of Blue Vanguard. It was especially meaningful to read the articles written by other members and share our interests and thoughts with one another. Through this activity, I was able to create many memories and gain valuable experiences with improved writing skills. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity, and this year has also been a truly enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Siyun Hwang
It was very rewarding to explore and write about various pharmaceutical issues during my time at Blue Vanguard. Writing about topics in this field has expanded my knowledge and deepened my understanding of the complex challenges and innovations shaping the industry. I’ve also enjoyed learning from your diverse perspectives, gaining valuable insights from each article shared. Thank you!
THE BLUE VANGUARD
THE BLUE VANGUARD
Yonsei Student Pharmacist Magazine