Korea's GC Cell signs MoU with Indonesia-based PT Bifarma Adiluhung for cell therapy products

South Korea-based GC Cell, a fully integrated cell and gene therapy pioneer, has announced the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic partnership with Bifarma, a frontrunner in stem cell therapy within Indonesia with comprehensive capabilities in R&D, GMP-compliant manufacturing, and the commercialisation of cell therapies. Bifarma is a Subsidiary of Southeast Asia's Leading Pharmaceutical, PT Kalbe Farma Tbk.

This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards entering the Indonesian market and expanding into the innovative cell therapy sector, particularly to facilitate the entry of 'Immuncell-LC', the only approved autologous T-cell therapy for liver cancer surgery in Korea. The MoU also includes discussions on technology transfer and broad cooperation on the development of additional NK cell therapy pipelines.

Furthermore, GC Cell recently unveiled its Blueprint 2.0 strategy, emphasising a company-wide strategic shift towards future growth drivers. A pivotal component of this strategy is the global market entry of its proprietary cell therapy products, Immuncell-LC, Korea's pioneering cell therapy, along with securing the foundation for NK cell therapy pipelines across the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia, known for its large population and robust growth rate coupled with the advent of universal healthcare, presents a promising market for autologous cell therapies. Such therapies are increasingly accessible through medical procedures that are supported by substantial clinical data, similar to those in Japan. Through this strategic partnership with Bifarma and leveraging the Kalbe Group's extensive local infrastructure, including cold chain logistics and a broad hospital network, GC Cell anticipates the accelerated launch of its Immuncell-LC beyond Korea.