GC Cell accelerates global expansion of ImmunCell-LC through tech transfer and media export to Indonesia

GC Cell is accelerating the global rollout of its autologous immune cell therapy, ImmunCell-LC, through a strategic partnership and technology transfer to Indonesia.

ImmunCell-LC, developed and approved in Korea, is an autologous dendritic cell-based immunotherapy indicated for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone curative surgery.

The company announced Friday that it has exported five types of cell culture media to PT Bifarma Adiluhung (Bifarma), an Indonesian cell therapy specialist under the Kalbe Group.

This shipment follows the successful completion of a technology transfer and license agreement signed with Bifarma in September 2024. According to GC Cell, the export marks the start of localized manufacturing of ImmunCell-LC in Indonesia and supports the next phase of product deployment in the region.

Indonesia sees approximately 23,000 new liver cancer cases annually, and around 3,000 of these patients -- those who have undergone surgical resection -- represent a potential target group for ImmunCell-LC.

Given the size of the market and the unmet medical need, GC Cell anticipates strong demand for its cell-based immunotherapy.

“With this first export of media, we are moving toward establishing a strong foothold for ImmunCell-LC in the global market,” a GC Cell official said. “We plan to expand exports to additional countries, thereby maximizing our global revenue potential.”

Bifarma is the cell and gene therapy arm of Kalbe, Southeast Asia’s largest pharmaceutical group. The company has already established the full local infrastructure required for the production, sales, and logistics of cell therapies.

As part of the partnership, GC Cell and Bifarma co-hosted a successful key opinion leader (KOL) symposium in Jakarta in January, aimed at introducing ImmunCell-LC to Indonesia’s medical community.

GC Cell emphasized that its high-quality production system and dedicated manufacturing facilities will serve as a key advantage as it seeks sustainable growth in overseas markets.

“We are committed to expanding our global influence through consistent delivery of high-quality products,” the company stated.