Nam Hyun-woo has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2013, mostly covering business and politics. He currently belongs to the Business Desk where he covers topics such as emerging tech, AI, ICT and Korea's chaebol community. Prior to joining the team, he was the paper's correspondent for the presidential office of Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol and Moon Jae-in administrations.
Matica Bio inks AAV vector contract manufacturing deal with US firm Cirsium Biosciences
Matica Biotechnology in Texas / Courtesy of CHA Biotech
By Nam Hyun-woo
Matica Biotechnology, a U.S. affiliate of Korea’s CHA Biotech, said Tuesday that it has signed a contract development and manufacturing deal with Cirsium Biosciences, a U.S. biotech firm developing plant-based adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology.
Under the deal, Matica Bio will develop processes and analytical methods needed for the AAV vector and manufacture the vectors for Cirsium Biosciences. Other details of the deal, such as upfront payment, were kept confidential by mutual agreement between the two companies, Matica Bio said.
The AAV vector is an engineered virus designed to deliver genetic materials into target cells harmlessly. It is gaining market attention in the field of gene therapy, as it allows targeted and long-term delivery with a lower immune response compared to other viral vectors.
With the cost and efficiency of AAV manufacturing remaining significant limitations, Matica Bio said the two sides expect their partnership to enable faster and broader access for patients.
“Partnering with Cirsium means working alongside a company committed to advancing innovation in gene therapy,” Matica Bio CEO Paul Kim said. “Cirsium’s innovative technology aligns seamlessly with our extensive capabilities in viral vector development and the manufacturing of clinical products. Together, we’re working to shape the future of next-generation treatments and expand availability to more patients.”
“Our hub-and-spoke model allows us to partner with leading organizations like Matica Bio to expand AAV manufacturing flexibility and scalability,” Cirsium CEO Daniel Gibbs said. “This collaboration reflects our mission to pursue more efficient approaches to gene therapy manufacturing.”
Matica Bio was established by CHA Biotech to enter the U.S. cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CGT CDMO) market. In 2022, it became the first Korean company to complete a CGT CDMO facility in the U.S., in College Station, Texas.
Last year, Matica Bio signed 10 contracts worth a combined 10 billion won ($7.2 million) with U.S. biotech firms. The company said it has already secured contracts worth 10 billion won in the first half of this year and expects to exceed its annual target of 20 billion won.