Nanjing IASO Biotechnology has announced a strategic partnership with Korea's GC Cell to introduce Fucaso (Equecabtagene Autoleucel), a BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy, to the South Korean market for treating multiple myeloma. The agreement positions GC Cell to pursue domestic regulatory approval and commercialization of what IASO Bio describes as the world's first fully human BCMA CAR-T therapy.
Addressing Critical Treatment Gaps
Multiple myeloma represents an incurable form of blood cancer with high relapse risk, predominantly affecting older adults. In South Korea, patient numbers are increasing annually due to population aging. The disease presents significant therapeutic challenges, as many patients eventually develop resistance or refractoriness to existing treatments, severely limiting their effective options.
While some combination therapies have recently become reimbursable in Korea, improving the initial treatment landscape, patients in fourth-line and later stages continue to face a critical shortage of viable treatments. Advanced therapeutic options like CAR-T therapies or bispecific antibodies remain prohibitively expensive and largely inaccessible to patients who need them most.
Regulatory Progress and Market Entry Strategy
To facilitate Fucaso's Korean market entry, GC Cell has secured important regulatory milestones. The company obtained Orphan Drug Designation for the therapy from Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in July. In August, Fucaso received selection as a fast-track Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product by Korean regulators, a designation that expedites the review and development process.
Fucaso received approval in China in June 2023 and is currently being prescribed to patients there. The therapy targets BCMA (B Cell Maturation Antigen), a protein highly expressed on multiple myeloma cells, making it an attractive target for CAR-T cell therapy.
Industry Leadership and Commercial Vision
"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. "We will work to stabilize the supply chain so that patients can have the opportunity to receive treatment at a more reasonable cost."
The partnership represents a significant expansion for IASO Bio's global strategy. "This partnership is a significant milestone in our global strategy," stated Jinhua Zhang, Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of IASO Bio. "It not only validates the international potential of Fucaso but also enables us to leverage our strengths with GC Cell's regulatory and commercial expertise in Korea. Together, we are committed to making this innovative therapy accessible to more patients in need."
Competitive Positioning Through Accessibility
By securing a competitive price point, the innovative therapy is expected to greatly improve accessibility for patients who need it. GC Cell aims to ensure patients can access this treatment in a timely and cost-effective manner through a stable supply chain, addressing one of the key barriers that has limited CAR-T therapy adoption in the Korean market.
GC Cell brings extensive expertise in manufacturing and commercialization of both autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, with a focus on immune cell therapies including CAR-NK, CAR-T, and CIK cell platforms, as well as CDMO services for cell and gene therapy. The company is expanding its global footprint through strategic partnerships and innovation in next-generation cell therapies.
