ENCell, Singularity Biotech sign MOU to co-develop treatments for inherited retinal diseases

ENCell has signed a memorandum of understanding with Singularity Biotech, a company developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are rare conditions caused by genetic mutations. They often lead to symptoms such as night blindness and tunnel vision from an early age, with some cases resulting in total blindness. Over 330 genes have been identified as causes of blindness, and the number of patients in Korea is estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000.

ENCell is the only Korean company with a globally competitive GMP facility capable of producing cell and viral therapies. The company provides a differentiated, one-stop CDMO service, offering optimal solutions for its clients through superior production and quality management systems.

ENCell is also progressing with the development of EN001, a mesenchymal stem cell therapy cultivated using its proprietary ENCell Technology (ENCT).

Singularity Biotech specializes in developing IRD treatments using retinal organoids. The company has secured multiple patents related to organoid production and cell culture technology. With promising preclinical research data from animal studies, it was selected for the 2024 TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups) initiative, allowing it to refine its processes further.

The company’s technological excellence was also recognized in November 2024 with an award from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI).

Through this agreement, the two companies anticipate accelerating the clinical development and production of Singularity Biotech’s retinal organoid-derived cell therapy.

“ENCell has established itself as a leader in the CDMO sector for cell and gene therapies and is making steady progress in various rare disease treatment developments,” ENCell CEO Chang Jong-wook said. “We hope this MOU will significantly support Singularity Biotech in its challenge to develop effective treatments for inherited retinal diseases.”

Singularity Biotech CEO Choi Jung-nam, who also serves as the chairman of the Korea Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness, said, “Singularity Biotech was founded with the participation of patients and is based on research achievements from Konyang University and Soon Chun Hyang University.”

Choi added that his company takes immense pride in partnering with ENCell, a company with extensive experience and advanced technology in rare disease treatment development.

The MOU signing ceremony also featured the attendance of singer and actress Choi Soo-young, a member of Girls’ Generation, who has been actively supporting visually impaired individuals as an ambassador for the Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness.

“I am delighted that continuous research efforts by outstanding scientists have now set the foundation for developing treatments in Korea,” she said. “I look forward to seeing new therapeutic technologies emerge, helping patients find hope and light beyond darkness.”