Next-Generation Gene Therapy Demonstration Center to Be Established in Siheung Bio Specialized Complex

Selected for the Future Innovation Infrastructure Project for Materials, Parts, and Equipment
Joint Initiative with Seoul National University Hospital, Korea Polytechnic University, and KTR

A next-generation gene therapy demonstration center will be established in the Siheung Bio Specialized Complex located in Baegot New Town, Siheung, Gyeonggi Province.

On September 5, the city of Siheung announced that it had been finally selected for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 2025 Future Innovation Infrastructure Project for Materials, Parts, and Equipment.

Accordingly, the city, together with Gyeonggi Province, Seoul National University, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea Polytechnic University, Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR), and Siheung Industry Promotion Agency, will establish production and verification facilities for the next-generation cell therapy, "CAR-X," in the Siheung Bio Specialized Complex.

"CAR-X" is attracting attention because it can be mass-produced compared to existing therapies, allowing more patients to benefit from treatment. With the selection of this project, the Seoul National University Siheung Campus within the Siheung Bio Specialized Complex will be equipped with automated gene therapy production facilities (GMP) and 66 types of testing and evaluation equipment.

The city plans to support businesses by sharing equipment and facilities through this project. KTR will be responsible for quality testing and analysis, Korea Polytechnic University will focus on training specialized personnel, and the Siheung Industry Promotion Agency will handle business support and the dissemination of achievements.

The city explained that, in particular, since Seoul National University Hospital will be responsible for clinical research on the therapy, it will be possible to establish an integrated system that connects production to clinical trials.

The city plans to organically link the GMP demonstration facility with the "Gyeonggi Siheung SNU Pharmaceutical and Bio Talent Training Center," developing it into an integrated platform where education, demonstration, and clinical trials take place in one space. Through this, the two facilities will share space, equipment, and personnel to establish a comprehensive system for bio education, research, demonstration, and clinical trials.

Based on this project, the city aims to attract bio companies and advance the materials, parts, and equipment industry, with a strategy to achieve research and development (R&D) and industrialization through a multi-nucleus bio belt connecting Baegot, Wolgot, and Jeongwang.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Chong Kun Dang and KTR will move into the Siheung Bio Specialized Complex, and last month, construction began on "Siheung Baegot Seoul National University Hospital," a hospital integrating medical care and research.

Lim Byeongtaek, Mayor of Siheung, stated, "This project is a tangible achievement in the creation of the bio specialized complex that Siheung has been pursuing," adding, "Together with Seoul National University and Seoul National University Hospital, we will establish a foundation for cooperation among industry, academia, research, and medical institutions to make Siheung a demonstration hub city for the nation's advanced bio industry."