Knotus
Non-clinical CRO for new drug development efficacy.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | N/A | - | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Originally established as the Korea Animal Medical Science Institute (KAMSI) in April 2012, the company rebranded to Knotus Co., Ltd. in March 2016 and subsequently changed its name to HLB bioStep Co., Ltd. in March 2023. The company was founded by Jeong In-seong and Kim Do-hyung, who leveraged their veterinary expertise to create a specialized Contract Research Organization (CRO). The firm is headquartered in Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, with a significant research center in Songdo, Incheon.
HLB bioStep operates as a non-clinical CRO, focusing on the pre-clinical stage of new drug development. Its primary service is conducting efficacy tests on new drug candidates, a critical step before human clinical trials. The business model is centered on providing outsourced research services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, capitalizing on the growing investment in new drug development. This focus has allowed the company to establish a strong revenue stream and profitability. The company also engages in lab consulting, which includes animal laboratory design and construction, and has a segment dedicated to veterinary medicine and companion animal products.
A key milestone for the company was its listing on the KOSDAQ market on November 27, 2019, which provided capital for further expansion. Over the years, it has secured numerous certifications and designations, including being recognized as a venture company, a non-clinical trial institution for veterinary drugs, and a training center for medical devices. In March 2022, HLB Co., Ltd. became the largest shareholder, integrating the company into its broader bio-health ecosystem.
Keywords: non-clinical CRO, drug development, efficacy testing, pre-clinical trials, contract research organization, veterinary science, animal model, lab consulting, pharmaceutical services, biotech services, KOSDAQ listed, veterinary medicine, companion animal health, toxicology studies, pharmacology, animal laboratory, new drug discovery, bioinfra, life science, HLB bioStep
