KiOmed Pharma and DongKwang Pharm announce strategic partnership to commercialize KioMedine^vsone in South Korea

24 June 2026

Exclusive agreement combines KiOmed Pharma’s innovative osteoarthritis technology with DongKwang Pharm’s leadership in musculoskeletal care and includes a partnership value potential exceeding €95 million

SAN DIEGO, California, June 24, 2026 – KiOmed Pharma, a Belgian medical technology company focused on innovative solutions for osteoarthritis, and DongKwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (DKP), one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies and a recognized leader in musculoskeletal care, today announced the signing of an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement for the commercialization of KioMedine^vsone in South Korea.

The agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, the world’s largest biotechnology partnering event, and establishes a long-term collaboration between two companies committed to improving outcomes for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Under the agreement, DKP will be responsible for regulatory registration, market access, commercialization and distribution of KioMedine^vsone in South Korea, while KiOmed Pharma will remain responsible for manufacturing and supply of the product.

South Korea represents one of Asia’s most attractive osteoarthritis markets, with an estimated value of approximately €200 million annually, more than three million patients affected by knee osteoarthritis and strong adoption of innovative injectable therapies.

The partnership combines KiOmed Pharma’s proprietary non-animal carboxymethyl chitosan technology with DongKwang Pharm’s nationwide commercial organization, extensive orthopedic network and leading position in the Korean osteoarthritis market.

The agreement includes upfront payments, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, double-digit royalties on net sales and long-term product supply revenues for KiOmed Pharma. Together, these elements represent a partnership value potential exceeding €95 million over the lifetime of the agreement.

François Blondel, Founder and Executive Chairman of KiOmed Pharma, commented:
“South Korea is a strategically important market for KiOmed Pharma and we are delighted to partner with DongKwang Pharm, a company with a proven track record in musculoskeletal care. This agreement validates the international potential of our technology platform and represents another important step in building a global osteoarthritis franchise.”

Houtaï Choumane, Chief Executive Officer of KiOmed Pharma, added:
“Asia-Pacific is emerging as one of KiOmed Pharma’s most important growth regions. Following our recent progress in China, Vietnam and upcoming territories, this partnership with DKP further strengthens our regional footprint and reinforces our ambition to establish KioMedine^vsone as a leading osteoarthritis treatment across APAC. We believe the region will become a major contributor to KiOmed Pharma’s future revenues and long-term value creation.”

Dr. Mansik Chang, Chief Executive Officer of DongKwang Pharm, said:
“KioMedine^vsone is a highly differentiated innovation that complements our existing musculoskeletal portfolio and strengthens our leadership position in osteoarthritis care. We are excited to partner with KiOmed Pharma and look forward to making this innovative treatment available to Korean physicians and patients.”

KioMedine^vsone is a single-injection treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis based on KiOmed Pharma’s proprietary non-animal carboxymethyl chitosan technology. Supported by a growing body of clinical evidence, the product is particularly well positioned for patients who continue to experience symptoms after having tried other treatment options like PRP, HA injections.

The partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to improving outcomes for osteoarthritis patients and expanding access to innovative, evidence-based treatment solutions.

 

About KiOmed Pharma

KiOmed Pharma is a Belgian healthcare company developing and commercializing innovative technologies based on its proprietary non-animal carboxymethyl chitosan platform. The company operates across osteoarthritis, aesthetics and ophthalmology, with a mission to improve patient outcomes through safe, effective and scientifically validated solutions.

About DongKwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1952, DongKwang Pharm is a leading Korean pharmaceutical company with annual revenues exceeding €140 million, more than 550 employees and extensive expertise in musculoskeletal disorders. Through its nationwide commercial infrastructure and strong orthopedic presence, DKP is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative healthcare solutions.

 

Media Contacts

Houtaï Choumane
Chief Executive Officer
moc.amrahpdemoik@tcatnoc

DongKwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Seunghwan Yeom
BD Director
rk.oc.ocpkd@moey.nawh-gnues