Apicell Therapeutics-JinScript ProBio, CDMO Expansion Contract... "Accelerating Cell and Gene Therapy Development"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Apicell Therapeutics, a joint venture established by Daewoong Pharmaceutical and UK-based Abakta, announced on the 16th that it has signed a strategic investment and contract to expand contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) with global CDMO specialist Jinscript Probio.

Through this contract, Jinscript Probio will participate in Apicell Therapeutics' next investment round. Apicell Therapeutics, which successfully raised 8 billion KRW in Series A funding last February, secured a strategic investor capable of covering the global value chain of the 'AFX platform' ahead of its next funding round.

The AFX platform is Apicell Therapeutics' next-generation gene cell therapy technology based on stem cells, using viral vectors to insert therapeutic genes into cells. Jinscript Probio possesses a one-stop viral vector process development and GMP production platform for gene cell therapies.

Following the viral vector CDMO contract for the first project of the AFX platform signed in December last year, this contract will entrust Jinscript Probio with viral vectors needed for Apicell Therapeutics' subsequent pipelines. Additionally, as strategic investment partners, both companies will strengthen collaboration in business development areas such as licensing out.

Yoo Jong-sang, CEO of Apicell Therapeutics, said, "This expanded strategic cooperation and investment contract is a result of recognizing the excellence and potential of the AFX platform," adding, "We will accelerate the development of therapies targeting rare and intractable diseases to provide meaningful options for patients suffering from illnesses."

Min Ho-sung, CEO of Jinscript Probio, stated, "We are highly anticipating supporting next-generation cell and gene therapy development projects through our technology," and added, "We hope patients can benefit from cell and gene therapies as soon as possible."