CureCell, the first domestic developer of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, is focusing on solid tumors and next-generation in vivo CAR-T as key growth areas for global expansion. The company aims to secure competitiveness in the global market rather than settling for short-term achievements.
In an interview with Aju Economy, CEO Kim Geon-soo stated, "The development of domestic CAR-T therapies is just the beginning. While we have been known for our domestic operations, we are now looking to move to the next stage." This underscores the company's commitment to global expansion.
CureCell is prioritizing solid tumor CAR-T as a core area of its next-generation growth strategy. Although the development is challenging, success could lead to significant market potential and clinical impact, intensifying competition in the global pharmaceutical industry. The company plans to validate treatment possibilities focusing on high unmet medical needs in cancers such as liver, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, leveraging its next-generation platform technology.
China has been chosen as a key location for its development strategy due to its large patient population and relatively fast clinical approval processes. Currently, CureCell is in discussions with local companies regarding clinical execution structures and business models, with plans to refine its global development strategy based on initial data obtained.
As a mid- to long-term growth pillar, CureCell is introducing in vivo CAR-T technology. This next-generation approach involves directly administering genetic material or vectors to patients, enabling the production of CAR-T cells within the body.
In vivo CAR-T has garnered increasing interest from global pharmaceutical and biotech companies due to its potential to reduce manufacturing complexity and supply timelines while enhancing treatment accessibility and scalability. CEO Kim Geon-soo remarked, "Our goal is to secure meaningful data this year that demonstrates the potential of our technology."
CureCell's product, Rimkato, has been selected as a target item for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 'Concurrent Approval-Assessment-Negotiation Pilot Project,' which is expected to expedite health insurance coverage compared to standard procedures. The company is currently negotiating product supply with over ten medical institutions, including major hospitals in Seoul, and plans to expand treatment centers to 30 nationwide by the end of the year, ensuring accessibility for patients across the country.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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