GC Cell signs CDMO deal with Dewcell for stem cell-derived artificial platelets

GC Cell said it has signed a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) agreement with Dewcell, a Korean biotech specializing in artificial platelet research and development, for the production of DCB-101 (en-aPLT), a stem cell-derived artificial platelet candidate.

The agreement outlines a strategic collaboration to accelerate Dewcell’s market entry by manufacturing and quality-testing its proprietary artificial platelet products to meet clinical regulatory standards. 

Dewcell is the first Korean company to successfully develop a proprietary artificial platelet manufacturing platform based on stem cells, en-aPLT, aimed at addressing chronic blood supply shortages through innovative therapies.

Under the agreement, GC Cell will provide a comprehensive one-stop CDMO total solution, supporting the GMP-level optimization of Dewcell’s manufacturing process, clinical-grade production, characterization, and quality testing. Leveraging its extensive CDMO experience in cell therapies, GC Cell plans to ensure Dewcell’s key pipeline enters clinical development smoothly.

Specifically, the collaboration will cover process and analytical development for cell and gene therapies, manufacturing of specialized media and raw materials for advanced biopharmaceuticals, GMP-compliant quality analysis, clinical and commercial-stage production, as well as long-term storage and logistics services for advanced biopharmaceuticals.

“This collaboration with GC Cell, which has the GMP infrastructure and manufacturing expertise, is highly meaningful as we aim to successfully advance our innovative artificial platelet technology into clinical stages,” Dewcell CEO Lee Min-woo said. “Through this partnership, Dewcell will solidify its technology platform and long-term manufacturing strategy, securing practical execution capacity for both clinical and commercial phases.”

GC Cell CEO Won Sung-yong also said, “We are committed to fully supporting Dewcell’s artificial platelet development to achieve meaningful market results, leveraging our GMP production and quality control capabilities.”

Moving forward, GC Cell will continue to seek diverse opportunities to strengthen its position as a leading CDMO player in the cell and gene therapy field, Won added.