Dr. Park CDMO Partners with Thermo Fisher to Expand Viral Vector Manufacturing Capacity in South Korea
Key Insights
Dr. Park (search) CDMO has selected Thermo Fisher Scientific (search) to equip its new Phase 1 facility with advanced bioprocessing solutions for AAV (search)-based viral vector production.
The South Korean facility currently produces 5,000 L per batch with up to 40 clinical-grade batches annually, with plans to expand to 10,000 L capacity.
The new facility aims to achieve cGMP certification in 2026 and will utilize state-of-the-art bioreactors and automation technologies to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
Dr. Park (search), an emerging viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in South Korea, has selected Thermo Fisher Scientific (search) to provide advanced bioreactors and consumables for its newest manufacturing facility. The partnership aims to support large-scale production and expand global access to cell and gene therapies through enhanced AAV (search)-based viral vector manufacturing capabilities.
Facility Expansion and Production Capacity
Dr. Park (search) specializes in Adeno-associated virus (search)-based (AAV (search)-based) viral vector production and currently operates at 5,000 L per batch, producing up to 40 clinical-grade batches per year. The company's new Phase 1 facility, inaugurated on August 5, 2025, is designed to achieve cGMP certification in 2026. Plans are in place to further increase capacity to 10,000 L per batch in the future, positioning the facility to meet growing global demand for gene therapies.
Advanced Bioprocessing Technology Integration
The new facility has integrated several cutting-edge solutions from Thermo Fisher's portfolio, including the Thermo Fisher Scientific (search)™ HyPerforma™ 1,000 L Single-Use Bioreactor, Thermo Scientific™ Nunc™ Automated Cell Factory Manipulator, and Thermo Scientific™ DynaSpin™ Single-Use Centrifuge. These state-of-the-art technologies are designed to streamline upstream and downstream processes, reduce manual interventions, and support rapid scale-up from clinical to commercial production.
The integrated solutions aim to enhance efficiency, scalability, and consistency throughout the manufacturing process while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. By improving process control and automation, these technologies will help meet growing demand for therapeutics as the cell and gene therapy sector continues to expand.
Strategic Partnership for Regional Manufacturing
"We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Park (search) CDMO as they advance viral vector manufacturing in South Korea," said Daniella Cramp, Senior Vice President and President, BioProduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific (search). "By providing our reliable and scalable bioprocessing solutions, we aim to speed up development and delivery of cell and gene therapies to patients who need them."
Yong-Ho Park, CEO of Dr. Park (search), emphasized the collaboration's significance: "Our collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific (search) has been instrumental in equipping our new facility with advanced bioproduction capabilities. Their cutting-edge technologies and deep expertise are critical enablers of our long-term vision and will strengthen our ability to serve customers globally."
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The collaboration reflects the increasing importance of robust viral vector manufacturing as cell and gene therapies move from research to clinical and commercial use. Advanced manufacturing infrastructure is essential to accelerate development timelines and broaden patient access to life-changing treatments, particularly as global demand for gene therapy continues to rise.
Tony Acciarito, President, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Africa at Thermo Fisher Scientific (search), noted: "Our work with Dr. Park (search) CDMO reflects a shared commitment to building robust manufacturing capabilities in South Korea and across the region. By working together, we can progress cell and gene therapies and support the evolving needs of the industry."
The partnership represents a significant step in expanding viral vector manufacturing capacity in the Asia-Pacific region, potentially improving access to advanced cell and gene therapies for patients across the globe.