SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., the biopharmaceutical arm of SK Group, reported its largest-ever quarterly results, with third-quarter sales rising 34.8% year-on-year to 258.4 billion won and operating profit increasing 65.9% to 116.3 billion won. Net income fell 23.9% to 54.3 billion won. The company attributed the operating-profit growth to strong U.S. direct sales of cenobamate, marketed as Xcopri, and lower costs linked to the stronger won. U.S. Xcopri sales reached $156.8 million, up 29.9% year-on-year, while nine-month sales rose 43.2% to 723.7 billion won and cumulative operating profit increased 92.3% to 303.1 billion won. The results were reported as South Korea’s five major pharmaceutical companies all improved third-quarter profitability, with operating profit growth outpacing revenue growth, although the drivers varied. SK Biopharm is finalizing a licensing transaction with Biohaven for an epilepsy-drug candidate and preparing clinical testing for additional candidates, including Parkinson’s disease drug candidate SKL32276.