GC Green Cross Cell Secures Patent for Activated Lymphocyte Manufacturing Method

Cost Reduction Expected with Safer Serum-Free Medium Method
High Content of Central Memory T Cells Enhances Persistence and Anticancer Efficacy

[Asia Economy, Park Hyungsoo] GC Green Cross Cell, a company specializing in cell therapy, announced on February 20 that it has completed domestic patent registration for the "Activated Lymphocyte and Its Manufacturing Method Using Serum-Free Medium."

The main content of the patent is a method for producing activated lymphocytes with high persistence and excellent anticancer effects using a serum-free medium. Typically, fetal bovine serum (FBS), an animal-derived component, is an essential element for all cell cultures in cell therapy production. However, it has drawbacks such as high cost and safety concerns. The manufacturing method patented by GC Green Cross Cell does not use fetal bovine serum at any stage of the process by utilizing a serum-free medium, thereby reducing production costs.

Among lymphocytes, which play a key role in cell therapy, memory T cells can be classified into central memory T cells and effector memory T cells. Central memory T cells are characterized by their ability to persist in the body for extended periods and by their outstanding anticancer effects.

The activated lymphocytes obtained through the patented manufacturing method contain a large proportion of these central memory T cells. The company plans to develop them as effective cell therapies that maintain long-term persistence in the body and demonstrate strong anticancer efficacy.

Lee Deukjoo, CEO of GC Green Cross Cell, stated, "We will not be complacent with the success of Immuncell-LC, which became the first domestic cell therapy product to surpass 30 billion KRW in annual sales in 2019," adding, "We are committed to continuous research and development to create next-generation cell therapies."

He also emphasized, "We plan to expand overseas and grow into a global comprehensive immuno-oncology company."

Immuncell-LC, GC Green Cross Cell's flagship immuno-oncology product, is a personalized anticancer drug made from a patient's own blood. Through a specialized cultivation process, it is manufactured into highly potent immune cells with maximized anticancer functions and administered to the patient as an anticancer therapy.