GC Cell Signs Agreement to Introduce IASO Bio's CAR-T Therapy in Korea

Securing New Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma Patients

GC Cell announced on the 29th that it has signed a contract with China's Nanjing IASO Biotechnology (IASO Bio) for the domestic introduction of the CAR-T therapy 'Fucaso' for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

This contract aims to provide a new treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma in Korea. GC Cell plans to gradually promote the domestic approval and commercialization of Fucaso.

Wonsung Yong, CEO of GC Cell (left), and Jinhwa Jang, CEO of Iaso Biotechnology, took a commemorative photo on the 29th after signing a domestic introduction contract for the CAR-T therapy 'Fucaso' for the treatment of multiple myeloma. GC Cell

Multiple myeloma is a hematologic cancer that is difficult to cure, carries a high risk of recurrence, and primarily affects the elderly. In Korea, the number of patients is increasing every year due to an aging population, and treatment accessibility is limited because of resistance and refractoriness to existing therapies. Although the reimbursement of certain combination therapies has improved the initial treatment environment recently, for patients who have undergone four or more lines of therapy, actual treatment options remain very limited due to the high cost of CAR-T therapies and insufficient infrastructure.

Fucaso is a BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen)-targeted CAR-T cell therapy developed by IASO Bio. It was approved in China in June 2023 and is currently being prescribed to local Chinese patients. By securing a competitive price, it is expected to significantly improve treatment accessibility for patients in need.

GC Cell has been preparing for the domestic introduction of Fucaso since the first half of this year. In July, the company received designation as an orphan drug from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, followed by designation as an advanced biopharmaceutical eligible for expedited review in August. GC Cell plans to establish a stable supply chain to ensure that patients can receive treatment in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Wonsung Yong, CEO of GC Cell, stated, "This contract marks a meaningful first step for GC Cell as a leading cell therapy company in Korea to lay the foundation for CAR-T commercialization," adding, "We will focus on stabilizing the supply chain so that patients can have access to treatment at a more reasonable cost."

Jinhwa Jang, CEO of IASO Biotechnology, commented, "This partnership is an important milestone in IASO Bio's global strategy," and added, "By demonstrating the international potential of Fucaso and leveraging GC Cell's commercialization capabilities, we expect to deliver this innovative therapy to more patients in the Korean market."