Sangdeok Han, CEO, delivers opening remarks

Genewel and Hanmi Science held a press conference, on the 22nd to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the launch of Guardix®, the first domestically developed anti-adhesion barrier.

The event highlighted Guardix®’s two-decade journey since its 2005 launch and outlined the companies’ vision for the product’s future.

Guardix® is a medical device designed to prevent post-surgical adhesions—abnormal binding of tissues or organs following surgery. Developed by Genewel using domestic technology, the product entered the Korean market in 2005. Hanmi Science has since overseen its domestic marketing and sales.

Now widely used across multiple medical specialties—including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics—Guardix® has become a market leader in Korea’s anti-adhesion segment. Among its product line, Guardix® SG, a temperature-sensitive gel that solidifies when it contacts body heat, is praised for its effectiveness in adhering to surgical sites and reducing post-operative complications.

At the press conference, medical professionals shared real-world use cases of the product in clinical settings.

Dr. Taejoong Kim, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Samsung Medical Center, spoke to the product’s safety : “We applied Guardix® SG to patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic surgery for uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Follow-up ultrasounds three months later showed no complications—no adhesions, no wound ruptures, and no surgical site infections.”

Dr. Sangwook Kang, a professor of thyroid and endocrine surgery at Severance Hospital, also emphasized its clinical benefits. “Anti-adhesion agents are crucial in thyroid surgeries, as adhesions can lead to symptoms like swallowing difficulties and neck stiffness. While there’s often concern about increased drainage, studies show that Guardix® SOL does not increase fluid output or prolong hospital stays.”

Looking ahead, Genewel announced plans to boost product competitiveness through innovation and global expansion. Efforts include the development of film-type formulations and acquiring CE MDR certification to enter the European market. Hanmi Science aims to strengthen its position in niche markets, particularly small and mid-sized hospitals, with targeted promotional strategies.

“We were able to develop Guardix® through bold R&D investments at a time when Korea relied entirely on imported anti-adhesion products,” said Sangdeok Han, CEO of Genewel. “We remain committed to advancing medical care through continuous innovation.”