Cha Biotech announced on Monday that it has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in medical devices, to establish and operate the K-Bio-CIC Open Innovation Center.
The center aims to create an integrated research environment that will accelerate innovative research and development (R&D), from basic research to analysis and process development, for companies based at K-Bio CIC. Leveraging the Cha Biotech Group’s extensive resources, including the world’s largest cell library, six global Cell and Gene Therapies (CGT) Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) sites spanning the U.S., Korea, and Japan, the CHA Animal Research Center, and the CHA Global Clinical Trial Center, the initiative will provide comprehensive support for startups, covering everything from proof of concept to clinical trials, commercialization, and global partnerships.
By integrating digital, automation, and AI-based research environments with cutting-edge analytical technologies, the project will establish a holistic R&D system linking research, clinical trials, and production. This approach is designed to enhance biotech companies’ development capabilities and boost their potential for global market entry.
The collaboration will also focus on expanding efforts in various areas, such as developing and managing a world-class open pharmaceutical and biotech research infrastructure, as well as implementing global open innovation programs and advanced research solution training and networking initiatives.
Cha Won-tae, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cha Biotech, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that its collaboration with Thermo Fisher, a company with extensive expertise in life sciences equipment and solutions, is expected to create a solid foundation for supporting the growth and global market entry of K-Bio CIC resident companies.
Seok Soo-jin, CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea, added that they’re committed to working closely with Cha Biotech to ensure K-Bio CIC evolves into a global hub for open pharmaceutical and biotech research innovation. It’ll leverage Thermo Fisher’s advanced global capabilities in biotech and the digital, automation, and artificial intellligence (AI)-based solutions to achieve this goal.
CGB will also implement programs to facilitate the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment and attract investment.
Meanwhile, Cha Biotech is ramping up efforts to establish a global biotech ecosystem centered around the upcoming CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) in Pangyo Techno Valley 2.
CGB, which broke ground in March 2022, is set to become the world’s largest single facility dedicated to cell and gene therapies. The 10-story building, with four basement levels, will span approximately 66,115 square meters (710,000 square feet).
The facility will house contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) facilities, a GMP manufacturing facility, and a stem cell biobank. Cha Biotech Group has invested roughly 300 billion KRW (about 200 million USD) in this ambitious project.
The group plans to use CGB as a springboard for future growth, focusing on CDMO services for cell and gene therapies. Notably, about 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet) will be allocated to establish CGB-CIC.
By adopting the proven success model of the global innovation platform CIC, the initiative aims to support biotech ventures from their inception through to global market entry.
CGB-CIC plans to expand global opportunities through strategic collaboration programs with international pharmaceutical companies and investors. It will host a weekly Venture Café and an annual global-scale CGTI Forum.
A key advantage for resident companies is free access to CIC’s global network of campuses in ten cities worldwide, providing valuable launchpads for international expansion.
Furthermore, Cha Biotech Group will support resident companies’ drug development and commercialization efforts by providing access to its global CDMO and clinical trial facilities.
The group will also share its extensive infrastructure and capabilities, including six global cell and gene therapy (CGT) CDMO sites, the CHA Animal Research Center, and the CHA Global Clinical Trial Center.
