Chong Kun Dang and Encell, Strategic Investment and Joint Research on Cell and Gene Therapies

Kim Young-joo, CEO of Chong Kun Dang (left), and Jang Jong-wook, CEO of Encell, are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding for joint research cooperation.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Chong Kun Dang announced on the 20th that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Encell, a company specializing in contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for cell and gene therapies and next-generation stem cell therapy development, for strategic investment and joint research on global innovative new drugs.

Through this agreement, Chong Kun Dang will make a strategic investment in Encell and utilize Encell's expertise in cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing technology to conduct research and development of cell and gene therapies.

The two companies plan to accelerate joint research and development and production processes of advanced biopharmaceuticals such as gene therapies and cell therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based viral products.

Based on the expertise accumulated through anticancer drug research including Camptobel, Chong Kun Dang will screen target proteins for various solid tumors and conduct global clinical trials, while Encell will be responsible for process development, candidate material production, and clinical sample manufacturing of gene therapies based on its excellent manufacturing technology.

A representative from Chong Kun Dang stated, “Chong Kun Dang has recently secured RNA-based platform technology to increase the potential for developing cancer vaccines and rare disease treatments, while expanding the scope of new drug development to gene therapies and cell therapies. Through the agreement with Encell, we will establish a mutually organic cooperative system to accelerate the development of advanced biopharmaceuticals that will lead the global market.”