AprilBio·Hugel·CorestemChemon Surge on Licensing·Earnings·Approval Hopes

[Song Young Doo, Edaily Reporter] AprilBio, Hugel and CorestemChemon all closed sharply higher on Thursday driven by renewed expectations for pipeline value, record quarterly earnings and impending drug approval catalysts. Investor sentiment toward biotech stocks appeared to improve as technology licensing momentum, global expansion and regulatory milestones converged.AprilBio stock trend.(Source=KG Zeroin MP DOCTOR)AprilBio's Licensed Out Atopic Dermatitis Drug May Expand Into Additional IndicationsAccording to KG Zeroin MP DOCTOR on May 8, shares of AprilBio rose 12.78%(7,500 won) to close at 66,200 won.The rally came as investors focused on the expanding indication potential of APB-R3(EVO301), a pipeline asset licensed out by AprilBio. Its U.S. partner Evommune recently unveiled updated clinical development and multi indication expansion plans for EVO301 in its first-quarter corporate update.EVO301 is a long-acting fusion protein combining interleukin-18(IL-18) binding protein with an anti-serum albumin Fab associated domain. The company says the molecule may improve distribution into inflamed tissues compared to conventional monoclonal antibodies(mAbs).Notably Evommune announced completion of a high concentration subcutaneous(SC) formulation and entry into the manufacturing stage. Based on this the company plans to initiate a Phase 2b trial in atopic dermatitis(AD) patients in mid-2027. The study will employ a placebo controlled dose ranging design with at least three dosing regimens over a 16week treatment period.The market is particularly paying attention to the company's indication expansion strategy. In addition to atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis(UC) Evommune disclosed it is evaluating further Phase 2 development opportunities in cardiovascular inflammatory diseases and food allergies, effectively signaling a third indication expansion strategy for EVO301.An AprilBio official said "Mentioning indication expansion before releasing final clinical data implies confidence in the underlying results." adding "Companies generally do not discuss broader indications unless the data are encouraging."The official added "Expanding beyond ulcerative colitis into cardiovascular disease and food allergies suggests the IL-18 target itself is functioning effectively." noting that broader indications could also increase milestone payment opportunities.The transition to an SC formulation was also viewed positively. The company explained "Even highly effective therapies can face commercial limitations if they rely on intravenous(IV) administration. The move toward SC development raises expectations for improved convenience and competitiveness."Investors also appeared encouraged by expectations for improved efficacy in future trials. "The earlier study showed EASI score improvements comparable to competing drugs despite only two doses over a 12week observation period." the company said "With a 16-week observation period and increased dosing planned for the next trial, there is potential for even stronger outcomes."Evommune is also scheduled to present preclinical data at SID 2026, the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting taking place in Chicago from May 13 to 16. The company plans to highlight IL-18 inhibition mechanisms in atopic dermatitis and differentiation of its binding protein approach.Hugel Soars on Q1 Earnings Surprise Driven by Toxin, Filler GrowthHugel also surged after posting record first-quarter earnings. Shares rose 12.33%(32,000 won) to close at 291,500 won.The company reported first quarter consolidated revenue of 116.6 billion won, operating profit of 47.6 billion won and net profit of 40.6 billion won up 29.9%, 22.3% and 31.5% year over year respectively. The results significantly exceeded market expectations.Growth was broad based across botulinum toxin, fillers and skin boosters and cosmetics businesses. Botulinum toxin revenue rose 60.6% year-over-year to 65.4 billion won in the first quarter. Sales