GC Cell signs licensing deal with Indonesia's Bifarma for Immuncell-LC

GC Cell said it has signed a technology transfer and licensing agreement for Immuncell-LC, its immunotherapy, with PT Bifarma Adiluhung, an Indonesian firm.

This follows the strategic partnership between the two companies that began in June of this year.

GC Cell believes that Bifarma -- a subsidiary of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, Southeast Asia's largest pharmaceutical group with a market value of 7 trillion won and annual sales of 2.7 trillion won -- is an ideal partner for commercializing Immuncell-LC in Indonesia.

The company boasts the country's first good manufacturing practice (GMP)-certified cell therapy manufacturing facility, cold chain distribution capabilities and expertise in oncology sales and marketing.

With a population of 270 million, Indonesia ranks as the world's fourth most populous country, and it reports around 23,000 new cases of liver cancer annually. Of these, approximately 3,000 patients who undergo liver cancer surgery are potential candidates for Immuncell-LC, indicating high market demand.

Once launched in 2025 as planned, GC Cell expects to receive double-digit royalties starting next year.

However, the company did not disclose the details of the deal, citing contractual reasons.

"We plan to begin technology transfer immediately following this licensing agreement, to launch next year based on Korean approval data," GC Cell CEO James Park said. "This contract represents a significant milestone in expanding the global reach of Immuncell-LC, Korea's first anti-cancer cell therapy, to offer new treatment options for more patients."

Bifarma CEO Sandy Qlintang also said, "We are excited to partner with GC Cell to bring this innovative liver cancer treatment, Immuncell-LC, to Indonesia."

Bifarma hopes this partnership leads to breakthroughs in advanced immune cell therapies tailored for liver cancer, Qlintang added.