Ligachem Bio Secures First Bio Sector Investment from National Growth Fund, Raises 500 Billion Won

CB 170 billion won and CPS 330 billion won funding secured
Late-phase clinical trials and next-generation ADC platform development

Ligachem Bio has been selected as the first direct investment target in the bio sector by the National Growth Fund. This marks the first case in which policy-driven long-term capital is being injected into a new drug development company that requires large-scale funding over an extended period. As a result, domestic bio companies are expected to be further empowered to conduct late-phase clinical trials independently and strengthen their capabilities in global drug development.

According to Ligachem Bio on June 26, the company has secured a total direct equity investment of 500 billion won from the National Growth Fund. This investment consists of 250 billion won from the Advanced Strategic Industry Fund and 250 billion won from major shareholders and domestic institutional investors. The investment will be made in the form of 170 billion won in convertible bonds (CB) and 330 billion won in convertible preferred shares (CPS).

The National Growth Fund is a government-led policy fund being established with a total of 150 trillion won over five years to foster advanced strategic industries. Ligachem Bio explained that "the company's proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology and global new drug development capabilities have been recognized as core strategic assets at the national level."

The funds raised will be used for research and development (R&D) and clinical development. Ligachem Bio plans to use the funds to secure the capability to independently conduct late-phase 2·3 clinical trials for its key pipeline, as well as to invest in next-generation ADC platforms and other future growth drivers. The company stated that, while maintaining its existing technology out-licensing (L/O) strategy, it has now added the option to directly conduct late-phase clinical trials for strategically prioritized core assets.

Ligachem Bio commented, "The approximately 450 billion won currently on hand is allocated for ongoing business and pipeline operations," and added, "The newly raised 500 billion won is a long-term strategic investment aimed at late-phase clinical development and global new drug launches."

Meanwhile, Ligachem Bio announced that the 170 billion won raised through CB issuance will be allocated as follows: 30 billion won in 2026, 60 billion won in 2027, and 80 billion won after 2028. The 330 billion won in CPS will be executed as 60 billion won in 2026, 120 billion won in 2027, and 150 billion won after 2028. The funds will be used for R&D and operating expenses for new drug research and development, including ADCs and immuno-oncology drugs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.