▲ Logos of RPEXBio Co., Ltd. and PCMO

PCMO (Director: Cho Min, hereinafter referred to as the “Center”) announced on the 12th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RPEXBIO Co., Ltd. (CEO: Oh Jong-won) to promote mutual cooperation in the development of mRNA-based pharmaceuticals.

This agreement aims to establish a collaborative mRNA-based bioindustry ecosystem by combining the core capabilities of both institutions for the development and commercialization of new pipelines utilizing mRNA source technologies. The two parties plan to cooperate broadly across the mRNA industry, including the planning and execution of joint R&D projects.

Under the agreement, RPEXBIO will pursue: ▲ Establishment and evaluation of technology based on mRNA and self-amplifying RNA platform technologies, ▲ Establishment of mRNA/LNP manufacturing processes, ▲ Development of new product platforms, and ▲ Collaboration with domestic companies developing mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

The Center will be responsible for: ▲ Providing GMP-based process development and manufacturing infrastructure for mRNA pharmaceuticals, ▲ Consulting for technology transfer and commercialization, and ▲ End-to-end support including drug substance and drug product manufacturing. This enables the Center to function as a public CDMO that connects early-stage R&D to production.

▲ From left: PCMO main plant, mRNA building, and Training center 

The Center is currently expanding its mRNA CDMO operations based on its existing manufacturing facilities and new mRNA production building. By next year, it plans to complete a full production system capable of delivering mRNA vaccines for non-clinical use to emergency national supply. A new isolator-equipped pre-filled syringe line is also under construction, enabling production of finished drug products in 1ml pre-filled syringes and 2R and 6R vials, significantly expanding the scope of operations.

RPEXBIO is a biotechnology company focused on the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases using RNA-based technologies. The company possesses proprietary mRNA platform technologies and next-generation vaccine technologies based on reverse genetics of RNA viruses. Drawing on its experience developing COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, RPEXBIO is building a diverse pipeline of vaccines and therapeutics and is committed to advancing healthcare and improving public health through enhanced safety and efficacy using non-modified nucleic acids.

Meanwhile, the Korean government is actively supporting the development of new mRNA pharmaceuticals, with many domestic pharmaceutical companies also concentrating their capabilities in this area. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) plans to invest KRW 505.2 billion by 2028 in companies such as GC Biopharma, EuBiologics, Korea BMI, and LemoNex through the “Pandemic Preparedness mRNA Vaccine Development Support Project,” with the goal of achieving mRNA vaccine approvals.

Through this agreement, both organizations are expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s mRNA-based bioindustry by leveraging their specialized expertise and infrastructure. Their continued partnership is anticipated to accelerate domestic self-sufficiency in vaccines and therapeutics and serve as a key turning point in achieving technological independence and global expansion in the Korean bio-ecosystem.