Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province has been selected as a final candidate in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' competition for the 'Next‑Generation Animal Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Free Zone.' Accordingly, Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) is expected to establish a foundation to carry out regulatory innovation projects linked to the Regulatory Free Zone initiative that remove barriers to the development of the animal pharmaceuticals industry, and to position itself as a national key research hub.

The Regulatory Free Zone is a system that grants regulatory exemptions, fee reductions, and financial support to actively foster new technology‑based industries in regions outside the capital area. Jeollabuk-do already operates an Eco‑Friendly Automotive Zone, a Carbon Convergence Zone, and a Functional Food Zone, and this project increases the likelihood of it being designated a fourth such zone.

JBNU has been expanding research infrastructure for 'pet bio and animal pharmaceuticals' centered on Iksan and Jeongeup in connection with the Glocal University 30 project. The establishment of this Regulatory Free Zone is also expected to further strengthen the JUIC Triangle‑based industrial ecosystem. If designated, JBNU will carry out the project for four years, from 2027 through 2030, at the Iksan Animal Pharmaceuticals Cluster and within the regulatory exemption district (9.77 km²) in the Jeongeup Jeonbuk Advanced Science and Industry Complex. 

JBNU will lead major tasks in collaboration with the National Toxicology Research Institute and 17 companies and organizations, including field demonstrations of safety and efficacy evaluation regulations for advanced animal biopharmaceuticals and new drugs, demonstrations to expand autologous vaccine product categories, and demonstrations to exempt certain submission items for toxicity tests of animal drugs. In addition, centered on the Industry‑University Cooperation, it will establish a cooperative framework linking local governments, companies, and research institutions, and strengthen the regional industrial base through professional workforce development, on‑site demonstration research, and support for technology commercialization.

Yang Oh‑bong, President of JBNU, stated, 'This result is recognition at the national level of JBNU's accumulated research capabilities in animal pharmaceuticals and its industry‑university‑research collaboration foundation.' He added, 'Through designation as the "Next‑Generation Animal Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Free Zone," we will complete a university‑centered research‑industry convergence model and lead the national animal pharmaceuticals industry.' He emphasized, 'As the animal pharmaceuticals industry is rapidly growing worldwide, industrial innovation is urgently needed, and this project will be an important turning point for JBNU to respond to national needs.'

Meanwhile, the project is being led by the Korea Veterinary Drug Evaluation Research Institute (Foundation) as the coordinating organization, with the National Toxicology Research Institute participating as a partner organization. In addition, JBNU, as part of the Glocal University project, will carry out the initiative in cooperation with the JBNU Regional Development Research Institute and the Iksan Animal Healthcare Research Institute. Through these efforts, it plans to strengthen the industry–university–research collaboration base and promote systematic research and the expansion of the regional industrial ecosystem for the development of the animal pharmaceuticals industry.