- IASO Bio has signed an agreement with GC Cell to introduce the CAR-T therapy Fucaso in South Korea for multiple myeloma treatment.
- The partnership aims to improve patient access to advanced therapies through regulatory support and a stable, cost-effective supply chain.
Nanjing IASO Biotechnology (IASO Bio) has announced a partnership with Korea’s GC Cell to introduce the CAR-T therapy Fucaso (Equecabtagene Autoleucel) to the South Korean market for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The agreement seeks to offer a new therapeutic option to Korean patients suffering from the disease.
Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that primarily affects older adults and is associated with a high risk of relapse. South Korea has seen a steady increase in cases, with many patients developing resistance to existing treatments. While newer therapies have improved early-stage care, advanced-stage patients still face limited and costly treatment options.
Fucaso, developed by IASO Bio, is a BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy approved in China in June 2023. It is currently prescribed to patients there and is noted for its competitive pricing, which is expected to improve accessibility for those in need.
To support its introduction in Korea, GC Cell obtained Orphan Drug Designation for Fucaso from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in July, followed by its fast-track selection as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product in August. GC Cell intends to ensure timely and affordable patient access through a reliable supply chain.
“This contract marks a meaningful first step for GC Cell, as Korea’s leading cell therapy company, to lay the groundwork for CAR-T commercialization,” said Sungyong Won, Co-CEO of GC Cell. Jinhua Zhang, Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of IASO Bio, added that the partnership “enables us to leverage our strengths with GC Cell’s regulatory and commercial expertise in Korea.”
