[PharmNews=Eung-Min Kim] Hugel Inc., a leading global medical aesthetics company chaired by Suk Cha, on May 8 posted KRW89.8 billion, KRW39.0 billion, and KRW30.9 billion for the first quarter net sales, operating profit, and net profit, respectively, based on a consolidated financial statement. With the highest-ever first-quarter earnings for the company, the figures represent increases of 20.9%, 62.6%, and 35.9%, respectively, compared with the same period of 2024.

The robust earnings growth was driven by balanced gains across all product portfolios.

The company’s botulinum toxin Botulax, globally branded as Letybo, logged KRW40.7 billion in quarterly net sales, up 18.8% on-year, and made up 45% of the company’s total net sales in the January-March period. The toxin’s net sales showed the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific market, which includes China, Australia and Taiwan, with a 54% increase on-year.

Hyaluronic acid fillers such as THE CHAEUM and BYRYZN Skin Booster HA posted KRW34.4 billion in the first quarter net sales, up 17.7% on-year. The dermal fillers showed strong sales performance in Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Europe as well as in South Korea.

Cosmetics achieved KRW13.2 billion in net sales for the first quarter with a notable 39.3% increase on-year. Derma cosmetics brand WELLAGE and high-end skincare brand BYRYZN BR continue to expand their customer reach by launching new products and diversifying local and global distribution channels.

“The first-quarter earnings broke records again with all products’ robust growth across the world. We will strive to solidify our global position through key momentum drivers such as additional shipments to the US and entry into the Middle East in the second quarter,” said a Hugel official.

Hugel’s board of directors resolved on Thursday to retire 300,000 shares of treasury stock on May 15. This move follows the company’s policy to ramp up shareholder return, with an aim to continuously strengthen trust in markets and increase the corporate value.