PR Center(News)

[Press Release] “Replicating Real-World Manufacturing Environments” PCMO’s Biopharmaceutical Trainin

- PCMO Training Program for Biopharmaceutical Talent Receives High Praise- Hands-on program with 40 university students and job seekers nationwide▲ Overview of the Fermenter System and Cell Culture ProcessThe PCMO (Director Min Cho) in Hwasun, announced that it jointly conducted the “Vaccine (Biopharmaceutical) Manufacturing Process Training and Practical Workshop” with the Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health and Welfare from November 10 to 12 (1st session) and from November 24 to 26 (2nd session).This program was designed to meet the increasing industry demand for skilled biopharmaceutical professionals and to cultivate talent equipped with practical competencies applicable immediately in the field. A total of 40 participants—including students majoring in biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, and related disciplines, as well as job seekers—took part in the training, which covered end-to-end manufacturing and quality control processes through hands-on practice.The curriculum included ▲GMP manufacturing facility tour, ▲GMP documentation training ▲VR-based upstream/downstream process simulations ▲practical exercises such as raw material weighing, media preparation, and buffer formulation ▲physicochemical and microbiological testing. By incorporating activities that mirror real manufacturing operations, the program enabled participants to understand the overall workflow of biopharmaceutical production beyond theoretical instruction.▲ Hands-on Training in Physicochemical and Microbiological TestingIn particular, the program included a hands-on session on one of the key quality control (QC) tests for biopharmaceuticals: protein quantification. Participants practiced measuring protein concentrations using reagents and reference standards, and interpreting the results in numerical form. Through this exercise, they gained a structured understanding of how QC data serve as critical evidence in determining the suitability of biopharmaceutical products.One student participant, Lee, shared, “It was extremely beneficial to see how the theories we learn at school are applied in real industrial settings.” Another participant, Park, commented, “Speaking directly with field experts helped me understand current industry trends and the capabilities required. It gave me a clearer direction for my career preparation.”▲ GMP Documentation Training SessionAll training sessions were led by the center’s in-house experts, who ensured ample time for questions and discussion to support participant comprehension. With access to the same equipment and facilities used in actual GMP operations, the program earned high praise—92% of participants responded that the curriculum was directly helpful for understanding real-world work and preparing for employment.The PCMO plans to continue supporting national biopharmaceutical workforce development and global competitiveness through regular training programs, industry-tailored technical courses, and world-class GMP training infrastructure.

[Press Release] PCMO Wraps Up Global Bio Workforce Training Program

- Vaccine and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Quality Control Training Held from November 5 to 7 - Practical, Hands-on Program Covering Microbiological and Physicochemical Testing, Cell Culture, and Purification Processes▲QC Training: Protein Quantification SessionThe PCMO (Director Min Cho) in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, announced that it conducted a three-day on-site practical training program from November 5 to 7 for trainees participating in the “2025 Vaccine (Biopharmaceutical) Quality Control Basic Training Course (GxP Program)” organized by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Following last year’s program, this year marks the second round of practical training provided by the Center. A total of 25 trainees from 16 countries were selected to participate, out of more than 200 GxP program participants representing 40 countries worldwide.This program is part of the Global Bio Workforce Training Hub (GTH-B) initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen global capacity for infectious disease response. Through this year’s training, PCMO once again demonstrated its world-class facilities and capabilities in vaccine manufacturing and quality control.▲Purification Laboratory Tour within the Training CenterThe training program was centered around the theme of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and combined theory with extensive practical sessions to deepen understanding. Key components included ▲a cGMP manufacturing site tour ▲hands-on manufacturing process training ▲QC (Quality Control) physicochemical testing ▲ a virtual reality (VR) experience of cell culture and purification processes. These activities allowed participants to gain direct, practical experience across the full spectrum of biopharmaceutical production.▲Group Photo of ParticipantsIn particular, this year’s course emphasized microbiological and physicochemical testing practices. Trainees conducted monitoring exercises to evaluate cleanroom environments and water quality, learning how to maintain product integrity throughout the manufacturing process. They also performed step-by-step operations from Cell Bank preparation and bioreactor operation to sensor calibration and sampling during cell culture, thereby enhancing their comprehension of the entire production workflow.Mr. Jin-young Song, Head of the External Relations Team at the Center, stated, “This training provided an excellent opportunity to expand global collaboration in the field of biopharmaceutical production and quality control. We will continue to contribute to developing skilled professionals for the global vaccine industry through close cooperation with international organizations and partner institutions.”▲Exterior View of the Microbial Demonstration Support CenterMeanwhile, the PCMO opened the largest biomanufacturing training facility in Jeollanam-do in July and has since been operating in full scale. The facility is equipped with advanced instruments that enable hands-on practice in biopharmaceutical production and testing, attracting growing interest from students and industry professionals alike. Looking ahead, the PCMO aims to strengthen its position as a key regional hub for biopharmaceutical talent development.

[Press Release] PCMO and Mokpo National University Sign MOU to Foster Bio Talent in Jeollanam-do

Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration for Regional Bioindustry Development and Workforce Training▲ PCMO Facility OverviewThe PCMO(Director: Min Cho) in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RISE Center at Mokpo National University (Director: Hacheol Song) on November 10, aimed at promoting regional bioindustry development and fostering professional talent in the field.This MOU was established as part of a mutual growth initiative to enhance the competitiveness of the local bioindustry and build a sustainable workforce development system by linking the two institutions’ research infrastructure and specialized capabilities.Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate in various areas, including ▲Cooperation in operating the Jeollanam-do RISE Project ▲Sharing know-how on professional workforce training ▲Joint development and linkage of educational programs and curricula ▲Collaboration on R&D and technology validation ▲Mutual support for joint experiments and analyses utilizing research equipment and facilities ▲Partnership in securing intellectual property rights and promoting technology transfer and commercialization.Through this partnership, PCMO plans to further expand collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Jeollanam-do’s bioindustry. In particular, PCMO aims to establish a sustainable growth foundation for the regional bio sector through joint R&D and technology validation.▲ Mokpo National University CampusThe RISE Center at Mokpo National University also plans to strengthen the technological competitiveness of Jeollanam-do’s bio and pharmaceutical industries by expanding cooperation networks among industry, academia, and government, and by promoting policies and information exchange related to research and development.Meanwhile, PCMO stated that it will continue to reinforce collaboration with local universities and research institutes to cultivate practical, field-oriented bio professionals and to develop diverse cooperation models to drive innovation in Jeollanam-do’s bioindustry. In July, the Center opened the largest GMP Training Center in the Gwangju–Jeonnam region, providing a state-of-the-art practical training environment where participants can experience the entire manufacturing process—from microbial cultivation and purification to quality control.

[Press Release] PCMO Showcases mRNA-LNP Manufacturing Facility at BIX 2025

- Korea’s largest biopharmaceutical exhibition “BIX 2025” held from October 15 to 17- Operated an independent exhibition booth for the fourth consecutive year▲ Exhibition booth of PCMO at BIX 2025PCMO (Director: Cho Min, hereinafter referred to as the “Center”) announced on the 21st that it participated in the BioPlus-Interphex Korea 2025 (BIX 2025), held from October 15 to 17 at COEX in Seoul, where it held business meetings with domestic and international companies specializing in mRNA-related materials, parts, and equipment to strengthen technological cooperation.At BIX 2025, the largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology exhibition in Korea, the Center discussed collaboration opportunities with global drug development companies and showcased its capabilities and role as a public CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization). Established in 2017, the Center has completed the construction of its new mRNA manufacturing facility this year, marking a major step toward expanding into new business areas.Building on its experience as a public CDMO institution, the Center is now promoting projects focused on localizing key mRNA/LNP-based materials, supporting the establishment of manufacturing process demonstration infrastructure, and providing end-to-end R&D support including GMP certification and technical consulting.A Center representative stated, “With the dedicated mRNA/LNP GMP facility nearing completion, securing a stable supply chain through the localization of raw materials and core technologies has become more important than ever,” adding, “Through participation in BIX 2025, we were able to expand practical technology cooperation networks with both domestic and international component and equipment companies.”▲ From left: PCMO main plant, mRNA building, and training centerMeanwhile, in July 2025, the Center opened an advanced training and production complex equipped for large-scale GMP operations—the largest of its kind in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region. Supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Jeollanam-do Province, and Hwasun County, the Center is actively nurturing skilled professionals in vaccine and biopharmaceutical production through the Vaccine Industry Professional Workforce Development Program.During the exhibition, the Center also received a high volume of inquiries not only about its CDMO services but also about its educational programs, reaffirming strong industry interest. The Center continues to solidify its position as both a public CDMO hub and a biopharmaceutical education institute, with growing expectations for its future development.

[Press Release] PCMO Concludes Pharmaceutical Plant Field Trip for Hwasun Jeil Middle School

- From September 4 to 19, a total of 471 students from grades 1 to 3 at Hwasun Jeil Middle School participated in the field trip program.▲ Director Cho Min delivering a lecturePCMO (Director: Cho Min, hereafter referred to as the Center) announced that it successfully concluded a one-day pharmaceutical plant field trip program for all 471 students of grades 1 to 3 at Hwasun Jeil Middle School.The program was designed to help students easily understand the importance of vaccines and GMP, as well as the process of pharmaceutical production. It consisted of ▲theoretical lectures, ▲a guided tour of the Center’s GMP manufacturing facilities, and ▲hands-on training in production and quality testing. Notably, the lectures and practical sessions were conducted by the Center’s experts, who have years of experience carrying out CDMO projects, further enhancing the educational value.This initiative was part of the Jeonnam Educational Development Special Zone program and was intended to help students gain an understanding of the Hwasun Bio-Cluster ecosystem while exploring diverse career paths in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Some students actively expressed their interest by asking questions such as, “What process should I go through to join the Center in the future?”Building on this first field trip, Hwasun Jeil Middle School and the Center are discussing the operation of more advanced curricula tailored for science clubs and students interested in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Through this collaboration, the two institutions aim to contribute to nurturing future pharmaceutical professionals.▲ Students participating in quality control practice sessions▲ Students taking part in pharmaceutical production trainingSince its establishment in 2017, the Center has been operating as a public CDMO following the completion of its main building in 2020. Over the years, it has built a diverse track record, including COVID-19 vaccine development, production of clinical phase 3 samples, and mRNA vaccine manufacturing. Based on this expertise, the Center has also been running training programs for universities, educational institutions, and job seekers since 2023 as part of the “Vaccine Industry Professional Workforce Training Project.”In July 2025, the Center opened the largest advanced GMP training facility in the Gwangju–Jeonnam region and has since been actively operating it. The facility is being equipped with pharmaceutical production systems for hands-on training, covering processes from microbial cultivation to purification, as well as instruments for quality control practices such as physicochemical analysis, microbiological testing, and environmental monitoring, all of which are scheduled to be fully established within this year.Furthermore, the Center has already achieved its target of training 900 graduates by 2026, and it is expected to play a significant role in fostering pharmaceutical professionals across the entire Honam region.

[Press Release] PCMO and Chosun University Complete 3-Week Vaccine Training Program

- August 11–29, intensive three-week course concluded successfully... Comprehensive training from production to quality control▲ Professor Kyu-Min Kim of Chosun University with 16 graduates of the programPCMO (Director: Cho Min, hereinafter “the Center”) announced that it successfully completed a three-week Vaccine Training Program for 16 students from Chosun University’s Department of Biomedical Sciences and related majors, held from August 11 to 29.The program was designed in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, combining theory and practical training for better understanding. The curriculum covered ▲Basic GMP training ▲Validation ▲Biopharmaceutical cultivation and purification ▲Utilities (facility management) ▲Quality Control (QC) ▲Virtual Reality (VR)-based cultivation and purification practice. Each session was delivered by experts with extensive field experience, providing participants with practical and industry-relevant insights.Since 2023, the Center and Chosun University have been jointly operating this training curriculum, producing more than 80 graduates to date. More than half of the participants have successfully secured employment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, with many reporting that the Center’s training was a significant factor in their career development.▲ Education Center of the PCMOMeanwhile, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Hwasun County, the Center is preparing to open a state-of-the-art GMP Training Facility in July 2025 — the largest of its kind in the Gwangju–Jeonnam region.The new training center will be equipped with advanced pharmaceutical production systems, including a 50L bioreactor, autoclave, continuous centrifuge, as well as analytical instruments such as HPLC and LC-MS. It will also support microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and QC training. The Center aims to train more than 900 professionals by 2026 and will collaborate with the WHO Global Bio Hwasun Campus to strengthen domestic and international vaccine capabilities.