Celltrion targets digital healthcare sector with app

Celltrion Inc., South Korea’s biopharmaceutical giant, made a foray into the digital healthcare sector for its future growth by launching a smartphone application for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The disorder affecting the stomach and intestines has symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea. IBS’ causes have yet to be discovered, although stress and frequent drinking are known to contribute to the chronic condition. About 7-15% of South Korea’s 52 million population are estimated to suffer from the syndrome.

Celltrion on Tuesday launched the app that analyzes the development of IBS based on accumulated data on symptoms, patient conditions, diet and medication history. The app also helps users consult nutritionists about diet.

The company is considering measures for the app to create synergy with its biosimilars.

“The app has yet to reach a stage to make a profit,” said a Celltrion official. “We plan to expand it to various business models through advancing services and accumulating data.”

FUTURE GROWTH BOOSTER

Celltrion has been seeking business opportunities in the digital healthcare sector for future growth. It piloted another app, which was jointly developed with a South Korean hospital for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

The app, which is linked with the hospital’s network, records patients’ conditions to be used for regular treatment.

The biosimilar maker has been operating a team dedicated to businesses related to digital devices within its research and development unit since 2019. The team is led by Seo Jin Seok, chairman of the board of directors.

The eldest son of Celltrion Group Founder and Honorary Chairman Seo Jungjin is known to be so interested in the digital sector he has coded his own algorithms.

Write to Jae-Young Han at jyhan@hankyung.com
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.