GCCL, a leading company specializing in clinical trial specimen analysis, is ramping up its efforts to expand into international markets by strengthening its position as the main central lab for global clinical trials.
On Wednesday, at the 2026 BIO International Convention in San Diego, GCCL’s Director Choi Yu-hwa spoke with News1 about the growing demand for integrated management of specimen analysis and central lab services. This trend is driven by the increasing number of multinational and overseas clinical trials conducted by domestic companies.
Choi explained that GCCL is broadening its control tower function to oversee overseas analysis institutions while serving as the main central lab in global clinical trials.
A central lab is responsible for standardizing the analysis of specimens such as blood and urine collected during clinical trials and managing the resulting data. Historically, central lab companies based in Singapore, the U.S., and Europe have dominated the global clinical market.
GCCL is actively pursuing international clients by leveraging its unique strengths in bioanalysis, safety analysis, and central lab services.
Director Choi noted that in the past, it often outsourced work to overseas institutions, but there were concerns about quality and costs. Recently, international clients have started to recognize that Korea has central labs of comparable caliber.
He added that they’re more cost-competitive compared to U.S. and European central labs. If the quality is similar or superior, clients have compelling reasons to choose a domestic company that offers smoother communication and lower costs.
Building a One-Stop Specimen Analysis Service
GCCL is also enhancing its data-driven lab CRO strategy, which covers the entire spectrum from preclinical to clinical trials and post-market investigations.
The company recently introduced a service for developing analysis methods using blood and tissue specimens collected during animal testing. This innovation ensures data consistency throughout the preclinical phase and into early and late clinical trials, as well as post-market studies.
GCCL is also focused on expanding its global network. The company has established partnerships with over 20 overseas analysis institutions and more than 20 global clinical research organizations (CROs) through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and master service agreements (MSAs). This network enables seamless coordination of services necessary for conducting global clinical trials.
Director Choi emphasized that vendor management has become increasingly crucial in global drug development. The core competitive edge lies in maintaining data consistency while efficiently managing various partners.
The company is also driving digital transformation. GCCL operates its proprietary specimen management system, G-Hub, and recently introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search function for standard operating procedures (SOPs). These innovations allow for quicker responses to audits from clients and regulatory agencies, as well as vendor evaluations.
In the short term, GCCL aims to establish itself as a leading lab CRO in Asia, with plans to expand into the U.S. and European markets in the long run.
Director Choi stated that while Singapore is currently recognized as the central lab hub in Asia, it aims to elevate GCCL’s brand recognition to become the top choice. The goal is to directly secure overseas clients and provide comprehensive one-stop services throughout the entire global drug development process.
He further explained that by leveraging the research, development, and production infrastructure of the GC Group, it plans to extend our services beyond specimen analysis to include contract manufacturing organization (CDMO)-linked services. It aspires to grow as a trusted partner supporting the clients through every stage of new drug development, from preclinical to commercialization.