GC Cell Signs CDMO Deal with Dewcell for Stem Cell-Derived Artificial Platelets

• GC Cell has entered into a CDMO agreement with Dewcell to manufacture and test DCB-101, a stem cell-derived artificial platelet candidate.

• The partnership will support clinical readiness through GMP process optimisation, quality testing, and full-scale manufacturing.

GC Cell has announced a CDMO agreement with Dewcell, a Korean biotech firm developing stem cell-derived artificial platelets. The partnership will focus on the production and clinical readiness of Dewcell’s lead candidate, DCB-101 (en-aPLT), aimed at addressing chronic blood supply shortages.

Under the agreement, GC Cell will deliver a full contract manufacturing solution, including GMP-level optimisation of Dewcell’s manufacturing platform, clinical-grade production, analytical development, and regulatory-compliant quality testing. The collaboration is designed to accelerate Dewcell’s clinical entry and strengthen its long-term manufacturing strategy.

Dewcell is the first Korean company to develop a proprietary artificial platelet platform based on stem cells. Commenting on the partnership, Dewcell CEO Lee Min-woo said: “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.”

GC Cell will also provide support for specialised media and raw materials, GMP-compliant quality analysis, and end-to-end logistics for advanced biopharmaceuticals. CEO Won Sung-yong emphasised the company’s commitment to expanding its position in cell and gene therapy contract manufacturing.