Lately, cell genetic treatments have been drawing the world’s attention. For this reason, the global market for cell & gene treatments has reached KRW 5 trillion this year and is expected to reach KRW 13.9 trillion by 2025. In South Korea, many companies are trying to develop cell genetic treatments, and among which, Kcellbio Banking develops cell therapy for rare, incurable diseases. It has a technology to mass-produce neurons from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) without genetic manipulation, which is also deeply related to the development of cell therapy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and stroke. Meet Lee Jong-sung, CEO of Kcellbio, and hear about the company's unique technology.
- Brief introduction of Kcellbio Banking to our readers, please.
Kcellbio Banking is an innovative bio company with unrivaled, patented technology for "transdifferentiation of neural stem cells (NSC) from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC)." Under the vision of treating incurable and hardly treatable diseases, the company is developing Cell Banking and customized cell medicines and operating a CGMP certification facility and research institute in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Currently, a 1652.89m2 of the central research center is being built in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, to mass-produce NSC and conduct research on stem and immune cell therapy drugs.
- The global market size for gene & cell treatment is increasing.
Right. In fact, according to data from the Biotech Policy Research Center, the global cell & gene therapy market is expected to grow 41.2% annually to $11.96 billion by 2025. In detail, the North American market will account for 50.4% with $6.08 billion (KRW 6.8971 trillion), Europe 25.5% with $3.05 billion (KRW 3.4599 trillion), and Asia and the Pacific 22.8% with $2.73 billion (KRW 3.96 trillion) of the global market in 2025.
- With the market growing, technology seems to be important. What is Kcellbio’s core technology?
It is a technology for cell differentiation of NSC (Scientific Reports 2017). This technology separates mesenchymal stem cells from human adipose tissues, differentiates them into neural stem cells without going through the induced pluripotent stem cell stage (iPS), and then differentiates them into specific nerve cells such as brain cells. Since this technology derives cells from the patient's own fat, it is safe without the risk of developing specific diseases like cancer. In particular, 1,000 times more NK cells can be cultivated because it uses a molecule-based incubation method with peripheral blood mononuclear cells without supporting cells.
- It seems many other companies are researching the cultural techniques for neural stem cells.
According to a survey of 15 companies listed and three companies scheduled to be listed on the market in the U.S. and Canada, none of them are developing neural cell therapy with adipose-derived cells like Kcellbio Banking. Some companies and universities are studying neural stem cells, but none of them have completed the "Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)" and protocol for mass production.
- I was informed that Kcellbio Banking is planning on entering the North American market...
There are three reasons why we decided to advance into North America. First, the North American market takes up more than 50% of the global market. This implies that the company will have an excellent opportunity to grow. Second, we will be able to acquire professional manpower and collaborate with multinational pharmaceutical companies. Lastly, there is a greater chance for astronomical funding—which is inevitable for the development of cell treatments—than that of Korea.
- What are the plans for the future?
First of all, we are planning to acquire a local corporation to establish a bridgehead to enter North America between April and May this year. Then, we are going to carry out detailed tasks to strengthen our foothold in the continent, such as diversifying our business, establishing marketing strategies, and recruiting new talent through localization of our business and partnership with global pharmaceuticals. We promise to succeed in localization by developing various cell-related products as well as cell treatment projects and cell banking, which we are already leading in Korea.
