PR Center(News)

[Press Release] PCMO and VIEL-T Join Forces for mRNA Drug Development and Manufacturing

- Sign MOU to Collaborate on Process Development and GMP Manufacturing▲ MOU Signed for Process Development and GMP Manufacturing CollaborationHwasun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea — PCMO announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with VIEL-T on July 9 to strengthen collaboration in the development and manufacturing of mRNA therapeutics.VIEL-T is a biotechnology venture specializing in next-generation RNA therapeutics. Leveraging a proprietary platform technology that directly targets disease-causing RNA, the company is advancing the development of first-in-class RNA therapeutics for a wide range of indications, including infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Through this partnership, the two organizations will collaborate across the entire mRNA drug development value chain—from process development and GMP manufacturing to commercialization.Under the agreement, the two organizations will cooperate in the following areas ▲Provision of proprietary mRNA and RNA technologies and related products▲Research and developmentprocess development,GMP manufacturing andcommercialization support for mRNA therapeutics▲Discovery of new pipelines and joint R&D based on proprietary platform technologies▲Customized technology commercialization support▲Exchange of industry trends and technical information▲Shared utilization of facilities and manufacturing equipmentAs part of the collaboration, VIEL-T will focus on contract research (CRO) activities, while PCMO will provide GMP-based process development and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services. By combining their respective expertise, the two organizations aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of mRNA therapeutics.Recently, PCMO completed the construction of its mRNA manufacturing facility, establishing an integrated GMP production platform covering the entire manufacturing process from plasmid DNA (pDNA) production to drug product (DP) manufacturing. Building on this infrastructure, PCMO plans to expand support for process development, production of non-clinical and clinical trial materials, process validation, and commercial manufacturing to facilitate the successful development and commercialization of mRNA therapeutics.

[Press Release] PCMO Gains Strong Response for Pharmaceutical and Bio Training

- Competition ratio reaches approximately 6:1, with early closure of applications- Hands-on training program for job seekers receives strong response▲ On-site quality testing practice sessionPCMO announced that it successfully completed the “2026 Pharmaceutical & Bio GMP Comprehensive Training Program”, which was held from June 30 to July 2 for Chonnam National University graduating students and prospective graduates.Held during the summer break, the program drew strong interest from students seeking to strengthen their job readiness, attracting significant attention from the recruitment stage. With 20 participants selected and an application-to-seat ratio of approximately 6:1, the program closed early, reflecting the high level of interest.The training program was designed to enhance practical understanding for students preparing for careers in the pharmaceutical and bio industries. It covered a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for pharmaceuticals to key procedures applied in actual industrial settings.▲ Tour of the process development facilityThe curriculum was centered on current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and included practical modules on the pharmaceutical industry, biopharmaceutical production processes, cell culture and purification process training, and protein testing.In particular, this year’s program focused on practical training in microbiology and quality control, allowing participants to gain hands-on understanding of cleanliness requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and other critical control elements emphasized in the field. Through these sessions, trainees were able to deepen their understanding of the overall biopharmaceutical production and quality management process, while directly experiencing the fundamental GMP operational framework required in industry.PCMO plans to continue expanding hands-on training programs for job seekers in the future. The center will steadily operate related educational programs to provide local young talent aspiring to enter the pharmaceutical and bio industries with practical opportunities to build job-related understanding and explore career paths.

[Press Release] PCMO Launches Research Institute to Boost R&D Competitiveness

- Transition to Advanced Research Institute framework to enhance R&D capabilities- Follow-up measure following designation as a National Strategic Technology Specialized Institute▲ mRNA manufacturing facilityThe Practical Commercialization Support Team, PCMO's research and development organization, has been expanded and reorganized into the 'Research Institute' this June, with full-scale operations now underway.The launch of the Research Institute is a follow-up measure to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's designation of PCMO as a 'National Strategic Technology Specialized Institute (Infectious Disease Sector)' last year. Through this organizational restructuring, PCMO plans to further advance its biopharmaceutical R&D functions and expand its related capabilities.The government has recently been focusing on creating an environment that enables the rapid development of vaccines and therapeutics in preparation for novel infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In particular, it has committed to supporting the development of relevant technologies with the goal of domestically producing mRNA vaccines by 2028. The plan involves developing and stockpiling vaccine prototypes during normal times, so that large-scale vaccination can be carried out swiftly when an infectious disease outbreak occurs.In line with this policy direction, PCMO has further strengthened its biopharmaceutical process development and commercialization support functions, centering on the Research Institute. To support the development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics — areas of growing importance — PCMO has advanced its related technologies and reorganized its support framework to ensure that research outcomes can progress through to clinical and commercialization stages.In addition, PCMO has recently established an mRNA manufacturing facility, putting in place the infrastructure needed for next-generation vaccine and therapeutic development. This enables PCMO to handle the full-cycle manufacturing process, from drug substance production including pDNA manufacturing to finished pharmaceutical product manufacturing. By supporting the production of clinical trial samples and process validation, PCMO is expected to contribute to shortening the development timeline through to the commercial launch of biopharmaceuticals.Going forward, PCMO plans to continue pursuing research in next-generation vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, centering on the Research Institute. It also aims to establish a research environment capable of responding flexibly to future infectious diseases and evolving biotechnology trends.

[Press Release] PCMO Participates in BIO KOREA 2026… “mRNA Manufacturing Facility Ready for Operatio

- PCMO Operates Exhibition Booth at BIO KOREA 2026- Preparing for Full Operation of mRNA Manufacturing Facility… Promoting Production InfrastructurePCMO announced that it participated in BIO KOREA 2026, held from April 28 to 30, where it showcased its mRNA-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure and CDMO capabilities.At the exhibition, PCMO introduced its mRNA drug manufacturing support system and GMP-based production infrastructure through an independent exhibition booth. In particular, the center highlighted its end-to-end CDMO services covering the entire manufacturing process, from Drug Substance (DS) to Drug Product (DP).PCMO also presented the current status of its mRNA manufacturing facility, which is scheduled to begin full-scale operation in July this year. The center noted that major equipment installation and basic operational preparations have already been completed, and introduced its capability to manufacture and supply pDNA, the starting material for mRNA production.The newly established mRNA manufacturing facility at PCMO is designed to support both pre-filled syringe (PFS) and vial production. The facility is expected to provide an integrated manufacturing system covering mRNA synthesis, delivery system production, and final drug product manufacturing. Through this infrastructure, PCMO aims to support domestic and international companies across a broad range of stages, from early biopharmaceutical development to clinical and commercial production.During the exhibition period, the PCMO booth hosted visits and business meetings with representatives from domestic and international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Various opportunities for collaboration were discussed, including mRNA biopharmaceutical manufacturing partnerships and biopharmaceutical process development support.Jin-Young Song, Head of External Relations Team at PCMO, stated, “Through our participation in BIO KOREA 2026, we were able to introduce PCMO’s mRNA production infrastructure and GMP-based manufacturing capabilities. Moving forward, we will continue to gradually expand our process development support services for domestic and international companies, while strengthening our expertise in quality testing and stability studies for biopharmaceutical production.”

[Press Release] PCMO Signs MOU with Jeonnam Technical Science High School

- Practical training to foster skilled professionals ready for immediate deployment in biopharmaceutical manufacturingPCMO (President: Min Cho), located in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jeonnam Technical Science High School on April 23 to nurture talent for the regional bio industry.This agreement is designed as an industry-academia collaboration model to cultivate professionals equipped with practical competencies required in the field at an early stage and to establish a sustainable growth foundation for the Jeonnam bio industry. In particular, the partnership focuses on linking systematic education and hands-on training from the high school level to develop a workforce that can be immediately deployed in production environments.Key areas of cooperation include: ▲joint development and operation of customized curricula ▲implementation of industry internships and field training programs ▲development of programs to enhance expertise and job competencies for students and faculty ▲sharing of facilities, equipment, and expert advisory resources ▲joint identification of research projects and collaborative problem-solving ▲strengthening regional connectivity through industry-academia cooperation activities.PCMO plans to utilize its GMP training facility to provide students with hands-on experience in core technologies required in real industrial settings, including microbial cultivation, purification, and quality control. Through this initiative, the Center aims to systematically cultivate practice-oriented talent that aligns with industry demand, particularly in biopharmaceutical manufacturing rolesJeonnam Technical Science High School will reinforce its industry demand-driven curriculum and support early career pathway design to enhance students’ employability. Additionally, the school aims to establish a stable workforce supply system by expanding partnerships with regional bio companies.Meanwhile, PCMO will continue to expand collaboration with educational institutions in the region to nurture industry-ready talent from an early stage, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness of the Gwangju-Jeonnam bio industry.

[Press Release] PCMO Participates in KOREA PHARM & BIO 2026, Showcasing CDMO Capabilities

- Joint promotional pavilion with key institutions in the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone- PCMO, Focus on promoting CDMO services▲ PCMO BuildingPCMO announced that it will participate in the 16th International Pharmaceutical & Bio Industry Exhibition (KOREA PHARM & BIO 2026), to be held at KINTEX in Ilsan from March 31 to April 1.At this exhibition, five organizations within the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone—including Hwasun County, Jeonnam Bioindustry Foundation, Vaccine Safety Technology Support Center, and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital—will jointly operate a promotional pavilion. Through this collaboration, the participating institutions aim to showcase the overall R&D capabilities of the special zone to a global audience.▲ Exhibition Booth ImageAt the event, PCMO will highlight its public CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) services, supported by globally competitive GMP manufacturing facilities. In particular, PCMO will actively present its differentiated capabilities and business strengths, including process development, clinical material production, biopharmaceutical commercialization support, and bio workforce training programs.PCMO’s infrastructure within the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone continues to advance. The center is preparing for the full-scale operation of its mRNA manufacturing facility in July this year. In addition to its existing vial filling capabilities, PCMO will establish a pre-filled syringe production line, enabling end-to-end process support—from mRNA synthesis, modification, and delivery system manufacturing to final drug product production.Jinyoung Song, Team manager of External Relations at PCMO, stated, “This exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to expand practical networks with domestic and international pharmaceutical and bio companies.” He added, “By leveraging the industrial infrastructure of the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Special Zone and PCMO’s technological capabilities, we aim to identify new research opportunities and further strengthen partnerships with related institutions.”Meanwhile, the 16th KOREA PHARM & BIO 2026, co-located with KOREA PACK & ICPI WEEK 2026, is the largest pharmaceutical and bio industry exhibition in Korea, offering insights into the latest market trends and technological advancements.