ChabioTech Launches US CGT CDMO Facility to Target Global Market

Subsidiary Matika Biotechnology Completes Construction of Texas CDMO Facility

Exterior view of Matica Biotechnology's cell and gene therapy (CGT) CDMO facility in Texas, USA

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Chai Biotech's U.S. subsidiary, Matica Biotechnology, is making a full-scale entry into the cell and gene therapy (CGT) contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business.

Chai Biotech announced on the 4th that Matica Bio held a completion ceremony on the morning of the 3rd (local time) for its CGT CDMO facility built in College Station, Texas, USA, and officially began operations. This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is equipped with global-level manufacturing facilities, including a 500ℓ bioreactor (cell culture device).

The CGT market is considered the future of the bio industry and is expected to grow rapidly. In particular, the production process requires advanced technology and expertise such as cGMP, drawing significant attention to the CDMO market. According to market research firm Frost & Sullivan, the global CGT CDMO market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 31% until 2026, reaching $10.1134 billion (approximately 12.758 trillion KRW). Recently, in Korea, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy 'Kymriah' for leukemia and lymphoma was successfully listed on the national health insurance for the first time, prompting not only existing CDMO companies but also major domestic conglomerates to actively consider entering the CGT CDMO market.

To secure such expertise, Matica Bio has recruited local specialists with experience in vector production projects at global gene therapy companies such as Lonza, Fuji, and Charles River, who have developed and produced more than ten types of viral vectors.

Matica Bio plans to expand its business scope to produce viral vectors, including lentiviral vectors and adeno-associated virus vectors, which are key raw materials for CGT, as well as CGT development and manufacturing services. To this end, it is developing real-time process analytical technology and automation systems necessary for shortening drug development and production schedules and mass-producing products with uniform quality in collaboration with global bioprocess specialist Sartorius. Joint research on plasmid DNA (pDNA) and proteins is also underway with Texas A&M University.

Song Yoon-jung, CEO of Matica Bio, said, "CGT is a therapy expected to have high growth potential compared to existing chemical and protein drugs by applying innovative technology," adding, "We will internalize world-class technology and lead the global CGT CDMO market by introducing Chai Biotech's over 20 years of accumulated cell therapy research and development experience and know-how."

In addition to Matica's Texas CGT CDMO facility, Chai Biotech plans to complete the advanced bio facility 'Cell and Gene Bio Bank (CGB)' in Pangyo Second Techno Valley, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, in 2024. The CGB will be the world's largest single facility in the CGT field, with four basement floors and ten above-ground floors, covering a total floor area of 66,115㎡. It will serve as a global production hub producing not only CGT but also messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and pDNA simultaneously in one building.