GC Cell Files International Patents for Global Expansion... "Immuncell-LC Technology Transfer Discussions Underway"

[Asia Economy, Reporter Yoo Hyunseok] GC Cell, a company specializing in cell therapy, announced on August 31 that it has completed PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) international applications for both the manufacturing method of Immuncell-LC and the patent for mesothelin-targeted CAR-T, as part of its efforts to expand into overseas markets.

The manufacturing method for Immuncell-LC was registered as a domestic patent in July last year under the title "Activated lymphocytes containing cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells and their manufacturing method." Through this PCT international application, the company aims to enter the markets of the United States, China, and India. GC Cell is already engaged in technology transfer discussions with multiple partners in these countries.

The patented manufacturing method involves producing an immune cell therapy using cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, which have high tumor-killing capability and proliferation rate. These cells utilize the NKG2D molecule, similar to natural killer (NK) cells, to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immuncell-LC, developed using this technology, received product approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea in 2007 and has been sold domestically since then.

In addition, the company completed domestic patent registration in February this year for its "mesothelin-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cells expressing it," and last month finished PCT international applications for the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. This CAR-T therapy demonstrated groundbreaking results in animal studies targeting pancreatic cancer, and preparations are underway to enter clinical trials in the United States in the first half of next year.

CAR-T is one of the most promising fields in global cancer therapeutics, but currently approved therapies are limited to hematological cancers. Ongoing research in the field of solid tumors has yet to yield significant results, leaving a large area of unmet needs.

Lee Deukjoo, CEO of GC Cell, stated, "Building on our success in Korea, GC Cell is accelerating its overseas market entry strategies to grow into a global company. We are actively pursuing technology transfer discussions with multiple partners in the United States, China, and India regarding Immuncell-LC, all of which are highly attractive markets with great potential. Through this PCT international application, we will secure independent and exclusive rights."

He added, "We have also completed PCT international applications for the mesothelin-targeted CAR-T patent in four countries, and we expect to achieve meaningful results in the United States, which is the main stage of the global market."

GC Cell produces and sells the immune-oncology drug Immuncell-LC. Through its US subsidiary Novacell, it is working to enter clinical trials in the United States for its CAR-T therapy targeting pancreatic cancer. The company is also developing an off-the-shelf, allogeneic CAR-CIK (cytokine-induced killer cell) therapy using its CAR platform technology.