"Russian health authorities have taken precautionary measures in response to the death of a woman who worked at an anti-plague research facility," reports Axios, "but have not confirmed that she contracted plague." On Sept. 25, 28-year-old Daria Shipilova, who worked at an anti-plague research institute in Russia's Irkutsk region, broke a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen, local reports said. Shipilova was admitted to a hospital on Sept. 29 with symptoms of severe pneumonia and died overnight between Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. After her death, authorities imposed quarantines at several medical facilities in the region and placed nearly 200 people who had come into contact with Shipilova under medical observation. Irkutsk Gov. Igor Kobzev said those being monitored showed no signs of illness and had tested negative... Russia's public health agency said Shipilova had "pneumonia of unknown etiology" and that further testing found no microorganisms linked to her work. The agency said the epidemiological situation in the region remains stable. Plague is a potentially life-threatening bacterial disease but can be cured with antibiotics when treated promptly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CNN reports that according to Russian state media agency TASS, it remains unclear exactly what was released: The head of the neighboring republic of Buryatia, Alexei Tsydenov, said earlier that the employee — a 28-year old woman — died "possibly from the plague." He also noted that "there are no plague outbreaks" in Buryatia. The governor of Irkutsk, Igor Kobzev, urged calm on Friday, saying that an extraordinary meeting of the regional anti-epidemic commission was held with Russia's chief state doctor. The meeting was in connection with a "suspected case of a particularly dangerous infection affecting a resident of the region," Kobzev said on Telegram.... The infection in the Irkutsk region is "most likely not the plague, but even if confirmed, there will be no spread of this disease," a previous head of Rospotrebnadzor, Gennady Onishchenko, said on Friday. Onishchenko told the state news agency TASS that the onset of cold weather would likely prevent transmission. Thanks to long-time Slashdot reader schwit1 for sharing the news.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Coway has created an ecological forest featuring endangered and rare plants at Gyeongil Elementary School in Seongdong District, Seoul. The site will serve as an ecological learning space where students can observe plants and other living organisms.

Coway said on Sept. 16 that it created the third Coway Ecological Forest, covering about 365 square meters, on the school's grounds.

Coway planted 1,195 plants from 25 species, including endangered and nationally protected species such as Pseudolysimachion pusanensis, Hosta yingeri and Aster koraiensis. Coway employee volunteers and Gyeongil Elementary School students participated in the planting.

Environmental social enterprise Tree Planet and the Landscape Architecture Design Lab at the University of Seoul were responsible for the forest's design and construction. The ecological forest incorporates results from research collaboration between the two organizations.

Environmental education for students was also conducted after the forest was completed. Students observed the forest and completed ecological forest checklists. Coway selected 13 students as ecological forest gardeners and provided them with garden maintenance kits.

Coway operates an ecological forest program that plants endangered and rare species in South Korea designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Korea Forest Service, as well as plants endemic to the Korean Peninsula. The company created its first ecological forest in an outdoor space at its headquarters in 2024 and its second at Banghwa Elementary School in Seoul last year.

Coway also operates environmental social contribution programs including Clean School Classroom Forest, which provides air-purifying plants to elementary schools; river plogging to collect waste along waterways; and the throwing of effective microorganism (EM) mud balls to improve water quality.

GC Cell is introducing artificial intelligence technology into its clinical trials.

GC Cell said on Sept. 16 that it signed a joint research agreement with QuantHealth, a global AI-based clinical trial simulation company, to optimize the design of the next clinical trial for its drug candidate GCC2005 (CD5 CAR-NK).

The partnership is aimed at improving the design of the Phase 2 clinical trial for GCC2005.

QuantHealth uses an AI-based clinical trial simulation platform, predictive engines and real-world data (RWD) to predict treatment responses and outcomes. It also provides technologies for comparative analysis with competing therapies and reviewing clinical trial scenarios.

GCC2005 is a genetically engineered cell therapy designed to target CD5, a protein expressed in most T-cell lymphomas, a type of cancer affecting the immune system. It is designed to co-express interleukin-15 (IL-15), a protein secreted by white blood cells and other cells, to improve the persistence of immune cells in the body, a limitation of existing therapies.

Yuhan Corporation said on Sept. 15 that it held its "Beyond 100 Years" event at Willow House in Daebang-dong, Seoul, to mark its 100th anniversary and highlight the development achievements of lazertinib. Dr. Ko Jong-sung and Professor Cho Byoung-chul shared the drug's development process.

Lazertinib, marketed as LECLAZA, is a third-generation targeted cancer drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other authorities.

The event also presented Phase 3 results showing that a combination of lazertinib and amivantamab, a bispecific antibody targeting multiple targets, reduced the risk of death by 25% compared with osimertinib in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer that had spread to other organs.

The JW Foundation, a public-interest foundation of JW Pharmaceutical, said on Sept. 16 that it selected Kim Yong-min, a former professor at Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, as the recipient of the 2026 JW Sungcheon Award. The award is presented to medical professionals dedicated to serving patients in the field.

Kim stepped down from his medical school professorship in 2018 and has since engaged in medical volunteer work.

"Kim is a medical professional who has gone wherever he is needed, whether in conflict zones, medically underserved areas or communities with limited access to medical care in South Korea, demonstrating a spirit of respect for life," said Lee Sung-nak, chairman of the JW Sungcheon Award Committee.

The award ceremony will be held at JW's Gwacheon office on Oct. 21.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical said on Sept. 16 that it received the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award in the low birth rate response category at the 13th 2026 National Contribution Awards. The award recognized the company’s efforts to improve its working environment and introduce a Career Development Program (CDP).

The National Contribution Awards honor companies that contribute to strengthening national industrial competitiveness or engage in social contribution activities and environmental, social and governance (ESG) management.

"We will continue to improve our programs and working environment to create a model that makes a tangible contribution to addressing the low birth rate," CEO Lee Chang-jae said.

The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) said on Sept. 16 that it formed a public-private delegation with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and 10 Korean pharmaceutical companies to conduct market-entry support programs, including the Korea-Thailand Pharmaceutical Forum 2026, in Bangkok from Sept. 14 to 15.

Thailand ranked first in a KPBMA survey of preferred destinations for overseas delegations. The forum on Sept. 14 featured sessions on pharmaceutical and biotech industry trends and cooperation opportunities, as well as pharmaceutical regulations and approval systems in South Korea and Thailand. A business consultation event was held on Sept. 15, with KPBMA and participating companies holding talks with local Thai companies.

"We will work closely with relevant organizations, including MFDS and KOTRA, to actively support Korean companies in finding local partners and generating business results," KPBMA Chairman Noh Yeon-hong said.

The treatment can reprogram immune cells that have been corrupted by the cancer, strengthening the body’s ability to attack.

The treatment can reprogram immune cells that have been corrupted by the cancer, strengthening the body’s ability to attack.

Celltrion has begun preparations for a Phase 4 clinical trial to secure additional clinical data.

Celltrion said Sept. 15 that it submitted an investigational new drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase 4 trial to establish evidence supporting a high-dose 240 mg regimen of Zymfentra, the US brand name for Remsima SC, an infliximab-based treatment for autoimmune diseases that blocks an inflammation-causing protein.

Phase 4 trials are conducted after a drug has already been approved and launched to evaluate its safety and efficacy during long-term use in patients. They are also conducted to study new indications and dosing regimens for long-term treatment.

The trial will enroll a total of 447 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at 55 sites in the US. Specifically, it will compare a high-dose intravenous (IV) infliximab treatment group with Zymfentra 240 mg.

Zymfentra is administered subcutaneously (SC), offering greater convenience than IV formulations, which require time for administration and cannot be self-administered.

Celltrion is also conducting global clinical procedures to add rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as an indication for Zymfentra, with the aim of expanding its potential patient population.

GC MediAI has gained traction with its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

GC MediAI said Uisarang AI, its electronic medical record-native AI (EMR-native AI) clinical solution launched on Aug. 6, surpassed 1,000 subscribing medical institutions within three weeks. EMRs are electronic records containing basic patient information, diagnoses, medical histories and other clinical information.

When medical staff call up a patient in the EMR, Uisarang AI displays a summary of the patient’s previous medical records. During consultations, it uses medical-specific speech-to-text (STT) technology to transcribe conversations and structure them into clinical records.

Uisarang AI is embedded in Uisarang, the EMR already used by medical institutions. A key differentiator is that it requires no additional installation or separate application to run.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical will present approaches to diabetes management using continuous glucose monitoring.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Sept. 15 that it will hold a web symposium on Sept. 16 through its medical information platform Dr.Ville to present the latest treatment trends and academic findings in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

The symposium will focus on "behavior change," an emerging theme in diabetes management. Behavioral change refers to patients going beyond simply checking blood glucose indicators to understanding data accumulated through CGM and linking it to their daily self-management behaviors.

Mototsugu Nagao, professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Tokyo Women's Medical University, will give a presentation titled "Beyond Monitoring: Building a New Model of Diabetes Care with CGM." Sei-hui Min, professor of Endocrinology at Asan Medical Center, will explain guidelines for the use of integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) systems recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sung Hee Choi, professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, will lead a discussion covering both presentations, focusing on the latest clinical evidence related to CGM and approaches to using CGM data.

SK Biopharmaceuticals said Sept. 15 that President and CEO Donghoon Lee purchased 1,000 shares of the company, worth about 80 million won, on Sept. 11. The latest purchase brings his total purchases to 3,000 shares, following his acquisition of 2,000 shares on Aug. 27. Changho Yoo, head of strategy, who bought 500 shares on the same day last month, also purchased an additional 500 shares.

SK Biopharmaceuticals said the additional purchases within a short period demonstrate management's commitment to its mid- to long-term growth strategy and responsible management. The move is similar to share purchases by Samsung Electronics executives in 2024, when the company's stock was trading in the 50,000-won range.

SK Biopharmaceuticals secured an additional growth driver last month by signing an exclusive licensing agreement for Opacalim, a drug candidate for epilepsy.

SK Biopharmaceuticals shares closed at 78,100 won in regular trading on Sept. 15, near their 52-week low of 73,000 won. Operating profit has improved each year since the company turned profitable in 2024.

Celltrion said on Sept. 10 that it participated in the 2026 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress, held in Barcelona, Spain, from Sept. 5 to 9, where it showcased Omlyclo, a treatment for chronic urticaria and allergic asthma.

Omlyclo, presented at the respiratory congress, contains omalizumab. Omalizumab is an antibody therapy used to treat allergic diseases.

Celltrion launched Omlyclo in Europe late last year and added a 300 mg formulation in August this year. The company offers various dosages and devices to provide more options for healthcare professionals. It also highlighted storage stability and convenience, a latex-free product configuration and reliable supply capabilities as competitive advantages.

Omlyclo is currently sold in 26 European countries. Celltrion estimates that its market share in Spain exceeded 90% as of July this year. The company plans to expand sales across Europe.

Celltrion will also participate in Global Urticaria Forum 2026 in Berlin, Germany, in December as it continues efforts to expand sales of Omlyclo.

Coway has opened its first directly operated Coway Gallery store in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

The company said it opened the Coway Gallery Lotte Ansan store on Sept. 10 on the third floor of the new building at Lotte Department Store’s Ansan branch. The store serves as a showroom and retail space where customers can experience Coway products.

Located in the department store’s living section alongside premium mattress and home-living brands, the store allows customers to try major Coway products, including those from its BEREX sleep and healing care brand.

The store includes a private experience zone where customers can try major sleep-tech products such as the BEREX R7 Stretching Motion Bed and reclining massage set.

Specialist managers are available to provide product demonstrations and consultations. Staff certified as sleep environment consultants offer personalized sleep-care advice based on customers’ sleep patterns, body types and home environments.

Customers can visit the Coway Gallery Lotte Ansan store without advance reservations. Reservations can also be made through Coway.com.

Coway opened 10 new Coway Gallery stores in the first half of this year, including directly operated locations in Suncheon and Pohang. The company plans to expand its offline retail network based on regional commercial conditions and customer demand.

Coway Life Solution is partnering with integrated home care provider Wellcare Station to expand care services for customers with dementia and long-term care needs.

Coway Life Solution said Sept. 9 it signed a memorandum of understanding with Wellcare Station to support home care services for senior customers who need care and their families.

Wellcare Station is an integrated home care provider where doctors, nurses and care workers collaborate to provide home nursing and home care services. It also offers in-home care services including hospital accompaniment and support for using South Korea’s long-term care family leave program.

Under the agreement, Coway Life Solution customers with family members who require continuous care due to dementia or other conditions can receive support for long-term care services.

The service covers checking eligibility for the long-term care family leave program, connecting customers with care workers and coordinating schedules. For customers without a long-term care grade, it also handles related administrative procedures, including preparing documents needed to apply for a grade and filing applications with the National Health Insurance Service.

Wellcare Station will operate a dedicated service channel for Coway Life Solution customers. Customers using home care services will also receive priority assignment of care workers on their preferred dates.

Coway Life Solution is also expanding dementia care and caregiving support for senior customers. In partnership with digital healthcare company Silvia Health, it provides cognitive function assessments and personalized cognitive training. It also has partnerships with caregiving and long-term care providers Caring and Caredoc.

“We will help Coway Life Solution customers access long-term care-related services more conveniently,” Wellcare Station CEO Kook Kyung-min said.

Coway is expanding its food waste processor lineup from grinding-type models to microbial systems.

Coway said Sept. 8 that it will accept advance consultation reservations through Sept. 29 for its Zero Food Waste Processor Microbial Type, scheduled for launch later this month.

The new product uses microorganisms inside the unit to continuously break down and reduce food waste. Users can add waste whenever it is generated, while the remaining byproducts need to be removed once every one to three months.

The product is designed for immediate use after installation without a separate microorganism cultivation period. It uses a high-capacity activated carbon filter and patent-pending microorganisms extracted from traditional Korean fermented sauces. The system removes 99% of eight types of odors and harmful gases generated during food waste processing.

The unit is 24 centimeters wide and can process up to 0.7 kilograms of food waste per day. It is available in three colors: Porcelain White, Dark Gray and Mild Pink.

Customers can choose between in-home maintenance visits by Coway’s Cody service staff or self-maintenance. Rental customers will receive one additional supply of the microbial agent during the rental period.

Customers who make an advance consultation reservation and sign up for a new rental will receive an additional 50% discount on rental fees for two months.

The Zero Food Waste Processor Microbial Type is eligible for government subsidies for food waste reduction equipment. Customers purchasing the product outright may receive partial reimbursement of the purchase cost, depending on the criteria set by their local government.

Startups and Big Ag are using Crispr gene editing to create crops that taste better and grow on a hotter planet. But will they find a market?

Mini human brains are being grown in labs all over the world. Soon, they could outthink neural networks.

Startups and Big Ag are using Crispr gene editing to create crops that taste better and grow on a hotter planet. But will they find a market?