ISSUE 25

FROM THE PUBLISHER

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, chances are you've come across the Netflix series "Squid Game," which has captivated audiences not only in Korea but around the world, garnering immense popularity. Cultural phenomena originating from Korea, often referred to as 'K-drama' or 'K-pop,' have been gaining significant attention globally. This 'K-' trend extends beyond the realm of culture and is widely recognized in industries such as technology, science, and medicine.

In the medical field, the term 'K-medicine' or 'Medical Korea' is well-established. In this edition of our World Asian Medical Journal, we have the privilege of highlighting Dr. Eul-sik Yoon, the Chairman and Board of Directors for the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and also the President of Korea University Medical Center Anam Hospital. Dr. Yoon stands as one of the most highly respected physicians globally, particularly known for his expertise in reconstructive surgery. Throughout the preparation of this edition, his humility, thoughtfulness, and visionary approach to patient care and quality of life were truly impressive. Additionally, Dr. Yoon's commitment to innovation in exploring breakthrough technologies and treatments in the medical field reflects his role as a true champion and supporter.

Our special report features the journey of a Korean biotech company in the development of new drugs. Enzychem Lifesciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, recently completed a U.S. phase 2 clinical trial of its lead candidate, EC-18, in chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis (CRIOM). This painful side effect significantly affects patients undergoing chemoradiation, leading to severe mouth ulcerations impacting daily activities, malnutrition, and dehydration. The study demonstrated a substantial reduction in the duration and incidence of severe oral mucositis compared to the placebo arm. The success stories of Korean companies completing clinical developments indicate promising prospects for therapeutic companies in Korea and Asia within the U.S. market.

This edition also features contributions from various writers and experts who share their knowledge and insights as co-authors. I sincerely hope that our readers find these compelling articles both helpful and inspiring.

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DoHyun Cho, PhD

Publisher

President & CEO of W Medical Strategy Group

Chairman of New York Health Forum

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In this, our 25th issue, WAMJ is pleased to continue our proud tradition of highlighting a medical leader with impeccable credentials and a dazzling resume.

Yoon Eul-sik, M.D., Ph.D. is both Chairman of the Board of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPR), and the President of Korea University Anam Hospital (KUAH), Seoul. After completing his education and training in plastic surgery, and three years in the Korean Public Health Service, Dr. Eul-sik pursued an academic career including stints as a Visiting Associate Professor and researcher at the University of California, Irvine, where he investigated issue engineering and regenerative medicine, and as a Professor and the Director of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, KUAH.  In 2014, Dr. Eul-sik became the Director of the Scientific Program Committee, Korean Society for Aesthetic Surgeons. Two years later, he was named Vice-President of Planning & Coordination, Korea University Medical Center (KUMC), and KSPR recognized him with its Best Academic Award. The following year, Dr. Eul-sik became the Acting President, KUAH, while simultaneously serving as KSPR’s Director, Training & Education Committee. 

AS KSPR’s leader, Dr. Eul-sik established the Society’s mission and vision and establsihed four strategies to achieve them. To meet international standards, he made Archives of Plastic Surgery KSPR’s official journal. Through these and other measures, Dr. Eul-sik expects the Archives to be indexed in the Science Citation Index within two years. Dr. Eul-sik has also improved the training of plastic surgery residents by modifying training content to reflect real-world clinical situations, and by introducing computer-based testing. Under his leadership, KSPR is working to improve Korea’s current National Health Insurance system.

Dr. Eul-sik’s career has been a study in innovation. In 2012, using robot-assisted technology, he introduced scarless breast reconstructive surgery to Korea. He is currently developing navigation surgery, combining cycling probe technology with real-time imaging, allowsing surgeons to precisely track instrument positions and then project the instrument position onto the preoperative imaging data. Among his innovations, Dr. Eul-sik helped to pioneer lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), which connects 0.3 mm diameter (thinner than human hair) lymphatics to small veins, helping those with limb lymphedema and tissue fibrosis; and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), which transplants healthy lymphatic tissue. He has published on such disparate topics as autologous breast reconstruction, lymphovenous bypass for extremity lymphedema, and robotic surgery.  As he himself says, Dr. Eul-sik “helps patients restore their lives through reconstructive surgery.” His story is an inspiration for us all.

Also in this issue, we offer pieces exploring the latest surgical treatments of lymphedema, Enzychem Lifesciences' innovative drug for oral mucositis in cancer patients, and 

biopharma reports on value-based price programs after deals involving Pfizer and Takeda,

Merck/Ridgeback’s COVID-19 antiviral licensing deal and its impact on upper middle-income countries, and new therapies for hot flashes from Astellas, Bayer and Mithra.

We hope you enjoy this provocative and exciting issue.

Joseph P. McMenamin, MD, JD, FCLM

Editor in Chief

EVP of W Medical Strategy Group