GC Cell forms strategic partnership with Bifarma to expand cell therapy in Indonesia

GC Cell, a leader in cell and gene therapy, has announced a strategic partnership with Bifarma, a prominent stem cell therapy company in Indonesia and a subsidiary of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, one of Southeast Asia’s leading pharmaceuticals. This collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to penetrate the Indonesian market by introducing ‘Immuncell-LC’, Korea’s first approved autologous T-cell therapy for liver cancer surgery.

The partnership signifies a major move into the Indonesian healthcare sector, particularly in innovative cell therapy. It includes plans for technology transfers and extensive cooperation on developing additional NK cell therapy pipelines. GC Cell’s entry into Indonesia is supported by Bifarma’s comprehensive capabilities in research and development, GMP-compliant manufacturing, and the commercialization of cell therapies.

Aligned with GC Cell’s Blueprint 2.0 strategy, which focuses on identifying and expanding future growth drivers, this partnership is critical for the company’s global strategy. Blueprint 2.0 encompasses not only the entry of Immuncell-LC into new markets but also the strengthening of NK cell therapy pipelines throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia, with its large population and universal healthcare system, represents a significant opportunity for the deployment of advanced medical therapies. Autologous cell therapies, like those offered by GC Cell, are increasingly sought after for their effectiveness in treating various conditions and are supported by substantial clinical data, mirroring trends seen in markets like Japan.

Through this partnership, GC Cell plans to leverage the Kalbe Group’s extensive local infrastructure, which includes cold chain logistics and a broad hospital network, to accelerate the launch of Immuncell-LC in Indonesia beyond its current reach in Korea.

James Park, CEO of GC Cell, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting it as a testament to GC Cell’s global cell therapy expertise. Dr. Sandy Qlintang, President Director of PT Bifarma Adiluhung, highlighted the strategic collaboration as a significant milestone that aligns with Bifarma’s mission to provide advanced, safe, and high-quality cell therapies in Indonesia.