Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, one of seven emirates that joined to form the United Arab Emirates, paid a visit to Kolon’s new R&D center called One & Only Tower in Magok-dong, western Seoul on Thursday.

The emir looked around the center after discussion with Kolon Group chairman Lee Woong-yeul. The visit was made at the request of the ruler who is known to have taken a keen interest in Kolon’s Invossa, the world’s first cell therapy treatment for degenerative arthritis. Sources said the ruler heard about efficacy of the medication through Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (SKSH) which Seoul National University Hospital was commissioned by UAE Ras Al Khaimah to manage. In March, an UAE woman long suffering from knee pain was treated with Invossa in Korea and showed improvements.

Sources said the ruler had wanted to visit the research facilities of the drug developer during his visit to Korea.

Lee spent nearly 20 years from 1999 developing Invossa. The father of three has a very strong attachment to it, calling the drug his fourth child.

“I hope Kolon`s innovative technology will catalyze collaboration between the two countries in bilateral ties, medical science development and disease treatment at a time when the friendly relationship between Korea and the UAE is increasingly promoted,” said Lee during his meeting with the ruler.

“I would like to take this opportunity to actively accept Korea`s excellent healthcare facilities, technologies and various biologic drugs,” the ruler responded.

By Hwang Soon-min and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]