T&R Biofab "We Want to Unlock More Potential"... Fundamentals Also Growing↑

Last Month's 26 Billion KRW Paid-in Capital Increase... Sales Growth Driven by Non-contact Thermometers

Yoon Won-soo, CEO of T&R Biofab, is explaining 3D bioprinting in an interview with Asia Economy.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] "We want to further unleash the potential we have."

T&R Biofab is a company that innovates the limitations of existing regenerative medicine technology through 3D bioprinting technology. They have independently developed material technology, process technology, and cell technology, which are core to 3D bioprinting, and established a full-cycle platform. On the 20th, CEO Yoon Won-soo of T&R Biofab stated in an interview with Asia Economy, "In terms of patents related to 3D bioprinting, we will be among the top three worldwide."

One of the tangible achievements is the development of an artificial scaffold for reconstructive surgery of craniofacial bone defects. Using 3D printing technology, it can be custom-made based on patient CT scans. It has been approved as a Class 4 medical device implantable in the body. Compared to conventional facial contour reconstruction surgery, it allows reconstruction that fits the patient's face perfectly and reduces surgery time.

The artificial scaffold is made from biodegradable polymer materials. The goal is to further increase the possibility of reconstruction by printing cells together with it. CEO Yoon explained, "If living human cells are added, the reconstruction efficiency improves, but in that case, it must be approved as a drug. We are currently developing the process to get there." If successful, it will be possible to implant artificial scaffolds similar to organs inside the body.

Additionally, based on 3D hybrid bioprinting technology, they are creating artificial skin and skin cancer models. The artificial skin includes both dermis and epidermis, which can replace animal testing. They have developed anti-aging substances, and if verification is needed, artificial skin can be used instead of humans.

They are also focusing on the commercialization of stem cells. Cells are secured from donor tissues, and stem cells are produced in reverse to aid in heart regeneration, liver regeneration, and more. CEO Yoon emphasized, "We are especially concentrating on myocardial tissue regeneration."

To approach the future that T&R Biofab dreams of, they conducted a paid-in capital increase worth 26 billion KRW last month. This was necessary to raise funds for facilities, research and development, and clinical trials. CEO Yoon said, "It was a decision made to realize our potential. The technology to directly print cells or create therapeutics has reached a considerable level, but building facilities and conducting clinical trials inevitably require costs." Well-known bio-investment institutions such as Korea Investment Partners, Quad Asset Management, and Daily Partners participated in this capital increase.

To also strengthen their fundamentals, they continue to create new cash cows. This year, they entered the non-contact thermometer business, which gained attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and thermometer sales alone exceeded last year's total sales. They also plan to refine and launch patient-customized casts for fractures such as arms. CEO Yoon said, "We are trying to carry both fundamentals and potential together," adding, "We aim to turn a profit by the year after next."