New Partnership to Expand Access to Immuncell-LC
GC Cell has entered a strategic partnership with PT Bifarma Adiluhung, a leading stem cell therapy company, to broaden access to Immuncell-LC—an immune cell therapy developed for cancer care—with a clear focus on liver cancer patients in Indonesia. The goal is straightforward: move a promising therapy from specialized manufacturing to everyday clinical use so more patients can benefit.
Inside the License and Technology Transfer
Under a new Technology Transfer and License Agreement, Bifarma has exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Immuncell-LC for 15 years. The partners are beginning the technology transfer in parallel with the agreement itself, a deliberate choice that shortens the timeline from paper to practice. This long-term structure reflects both parties’ confidence in the therapy’s potential and their commitment to sustained access, not just a quick launch.
What Bifarma Brings to the Table
Bifarma operates the region’s first GMP-certified cell therapy production facility, built for reliability and scale. That foundation matters. It supports precise, clinical-grade manufacturing while also tying into marketing and sales capabilities tailored to oncology. In short, the infrastructure is in place to produce Immuncell-LC consistently and to reach the patients who may need it most.
Leadership Perspectives
James Park, CEO of GC Cell, shared strong optimism about the collaboration. By starting technology transfer alongside the licensing agreement, he noted, the partners are positioned to bring Immuncell-LC to Indonesian patients more efficiently. The emphasis is on collaboration and on widening the set of treatment options available to a broader group of people living with liver cancer.
Why Indonesia Needs More Options in Cancer Care
Indonesia’s pharmaceutical market is the largest in Southeast Asia and is growing at more than 8% annually. That momentum opens a clear path for innovative therapies like Immuncell-LC to enter the system and, over time, become part of standard care where appropriate.
The need is urgent. Liver cancer—especially Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)—remains a major public health concern in the country. With roughly 23,000 new cases each year, any safe and effective advance that can expand treatment choices has immediate relevance for patients and clinicians.
Collaboration That Pushes Innovation Forward
Dr. Sandy Qlintang, President Director of PT Bifarma Adiluhung, underscored that this partnership is designed to accelerate meaningful progress in therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. The shared plan is to bring together complementary strengths—scientific, clinical, and operational—to advance immune cell therapies with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
What Immuncell-LC Is—and How It Works
Immuncell-LC is an immune cell therapy that targets solid tumors, with particular relevance for liver cancer. It has received FDA orphan drug designation and is composed of autologous, blood-derived T lymphocytes—cells drawn from a patient’s own blood and prepared to bolster the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
In large Phase 3 clinical trials, Immuncell-LC has shown encouraging results: reductions in recurrence and mortality rates paired with a strong safety profile. The signal is consistent—better control after treatment and tolerability that supports real-world use.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Access in Emerging Markets
GC Cell continues to explore collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies around the world. In that context, the work with Bifarma serves as a practical model for how to introduce advanced therapies in emerging markets—thoughtfully, with local manufacturing and on-the-ground expertise. The shared aim is simple: improve access and, in turn, improve outcomes.
About GC Cell
GC Cell is a global leader in cell therapy, delivering comprehensive bio healthcare solutions that span the continuum from diagnosis through treatment. The company’s capabilities include research and development, production, commercialization, and distribution—integrated to move therapies from concept to clinic.
About PT Bifarma Adiluhung
PT Bifarma Adiluhung, through its Regenic division, is Indonesia’s first and largest provider of cell-based therapies. The company holds full GMP certification, enabling clinical-grade manufacturing of stem cells and related products. With a focus on innovative cell therapies, Regenic works to translate scientific progress into care that can improve people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Immuncell-LC?
Immuncell-LC is an immune cell therapy developed for cancer treatment, with a primary focus on liver cancer, including Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). It uses a patient’s own blood-derived T lymphocytes, prepared to strengthen the body’s ability to target cancer cells.
How long does the GC Cell–Bifarma license last?
The Technology Transfer and License Agreement grants Bifarma exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Immuncell-LC for 15 years, supporting long-term planning and availability.
Why does this partnership matter for Indonesia?
It combines GC Cell’s therapy with Bifarma’s GMP-certified manufacturing and local market experience, with the aim of bringing a new treatment option to liver cancer patients in Indonesia more quickly and reliably.
What benefits has Immuncell-LC shown so far?
In large Phase 3 trials, Immuncell-LC has demonstrated reduced cancer recurrence and mortality, alongside a favorable safety profile. It also holds FDA orphan drug designation.
How is the pharmaceutical market in Indonesia performing?
Indonesia has the largest pharmaceutical market in Southeast Asia, growing at more than 8% annually. That growth creates room for innovative therapies like Immuncell-LC to enter and scale.
