With its ongoing investments in research, development and automation, High Tech Pharm is poised to continue its growth and meet the evolving global demand for antibiotics.
Did you know that back in the 1980s and 90s, when South Korea was on the road toward—but yet to become—the economic and technological powerhouse it is today, the country led the world in the production of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics?
Flash forward to 2024, and while the Korean pharmaceutical industry continues to face fierce international competition and challenges like fragmented government policies, it has witnessed one of the fastest growth rates in the world over the past decade. Pioneering drug development just as the country did 30 to 40 years ago, Korean pharmaceutical firms like High Tech Pharm have laid the foundations to become global pharmaceutical companies by developing innovative technologies. By combining these advanced technologies, automation and a commitment to quality, High Tech Pharm is ready to meet the growing demand for antibiotics, particularly amid the rise of multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
Founded in 1998, High Tech Pharm has grown into a leader in the manufacture of antibiotic pharmaceutical ingredients, specializing in carbapenems. Its state-of-the-art Chungju plant, which began operations in 2018, serves as a prime example of the company’s commitment to innovation. The plant features advanced automation systems, including an integrated computerized system (SCADA system) of chemical tanks and cutting-edge quality control technologies. CEO Jeong-soo Kim explains the importance of these systems: “By automating the entire process from raw material input to finished product production as a closed system, not only are all processes standardized, but also the source of contamination caused by sterile workers is eliminated.” This level of automation ensures the production of high-quality pharmaceuticals that meet the rigorous standards required for global markets.
Overview of Chungju plant
The company’s flagship products, such as carbapenems, are essential in the treatment of severe infections, above all those caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria. While High Tech Pharm's current production capacity is sufficient, Dr. Kim emphasizes that the company is prepared to expand should the demand rise. “We are working to improve our manufacturing process to produce higher-quality medicines for the future and have plans to expand in response to a potential surge in demand,” he states. The company is also exploring parallel product lines to complement its existing offerings, positioning itself to adapt to future market needs.
High Tech Pharm’s growth is driven by its commitment to producing the best possible medicines. “We focus more on ‘how to reliably produce the highest quality products’ rather than ‘how to increase sales and generate profits,’” the CEO says. This focus on quality over profits has allowed the company to build strong partnerships, including a key collaboration with ACS Dobfar S.p.A., an Italian pharmaceutical company that holds a 40-percent stake in High Tech Pharm. Through this partnership, High Tech Pharm gains valuable insights and operational efficiency across European, U.S., and Asian markets.
Sterile plant
Non sterile plant
Despite the advantages of automation and innovation, High Tech Pharm, like many of its peers, faces fierce competition from manufacturers in China and India, who benefit from lower labor costs and larger-scale operations. Additionally, entering highly regulated markets such as the U.S. and Europe presents significant challenges, with long approval timelines and stringent manufacturing standards. However, Dr. Kim remains optimistic, particularly after its Chungju plant received FDA approval in 2023 and EU approval in 2024, which are the important steps in entering the U.S. and European markets. He also sees growth potential in emerging markets, including Southwest Asia, the Middle East and Russia.
The ongoing rise of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has heightened the urgency for new antibiotic development. With rigorous contamination control measures in place, such as isolated production facilities and closed systems, High Tech Pharm is well-equipped to meet the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance.
As High Tech Pharm celebrates nearly 26 years in business, the company’s focus will remain on improving global health through high-quality pharmaceutical production. "Our goal is very simple,” Dr. Kim says. “To ensure quality of life by improving human health.”
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