GC Green Cross submits permit application to operate 'Biosafety Level 3' research facility

GC Green Cross Ochang Plant Exterior (Photo by Lee Chunhee)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] GC Green Cross is strengthening its infectious disease research and development capabilities through the operation of a 'Biosafety Level 3 (BL3)' research facility.

GC Green Cross announced on the 29th that it submitted an application for permission to install and operate a BL3 research facility to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 28th. This is the first time a domestic pharmaceutical company has established a BL3 research facility.

Biosafety levels are management standards for research facilities that handle or experiment with high-risk pathogens. They are classified from levels 1 to 4, with higher levels allowing the handling of more hazardous materials. From level 3 facilities, which have higher risks, permission from the Disease Control Agency is required for installation and operation.

The BL3 research facility being established by GC Green Cross will maintain constant negative air pressure and pass exhaust air through HEPA filters to prevent the external release of high-risk pathogens. It will also be equipped with biosafety equipment to protect personnel, enabling the handling of high-risk pathogens such as Avian Influenza (AI), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19, which can cause severe symptoms in humans but are treatable.

GC Green Cross aims to obtain permission for the BL3 research facility construction project in the second half of this year. This project was also selected as a government task by the Ministry of Health and Welfare last year.

GC Green Cross analyzes that securing such a facility will enable early-stage research on new infectious diseases led by pharmaceutical companies, accelerating the development of treatments and vaccines. A company representative said, "The goal of the new research facility is to strengthen rapid research and development and response capabilities in the event of a national infectious disease outbreak."