Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIOHealth) to jointly develop workforce training for cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing.
The partnership aims to create training programs focused on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and chimeric antigen (CAR) T-cell therapies, utilizing Terumo BCT’s products, including the Quantum Flex Cell Expansion System. Currently, Korean companies offer at least 14 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety-approved CGTs, with three MSC therapies included.
KBIOHealth, a public institution in South Korea, has been providing biopharma job training since 2022 and intends to standardize manufacturing workforce training to strengthen CGT capabilities in Korea and the region. Next year, it will launch a training center centered on automated manufacturing workflows from Terumo BCT’s Quantum Flex and Finia Fill and Finish System.
The agreement will lead to joint training programs where participants will engage in hands-on and virtual reality training focused on good manufacturing practices in cell therapy manufacturing, quality control, human-derived cell culture and bioreactor use. KBIOHealth has already offered training on Quantum Flex for MSC manufacturing and aims to bolster advanced regenerative medicine therapeutics in the region.
“Our goal is to create a foundation for the global advanced regenerative medicine field and produce tangible results through collaboration with Terumo BCT,” said Myung-soo Lee, chairman of KBIOHealth. “We plan to continuously expand various global programs to lead the development of the global biohealth industry and foster specialized human resources in the advanced regenerative medicine field.”
Veerle d’Haenens, general manager of Global Therapy Innovations at Lakewood-based Terumo BCT, stated, “Terumo BCT is committed to proactively supporting the strategic growth in Korea and increasing our presence with world-class expertise in cell therapy manufacturing. This new MOU reflects both the growth in our long-standing collaboration with KBIOHealth, and the amazing work done by the organization to grow the highly skilled workforce necessary for the success of cell- and tissue-based therapies in Korea and globally.”
