Biotechnology company Nature Cell is investing approximately USD 300 million (about KRW 442.2 billion) to establish a stem cell therapy hub in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Ra Jeong-chan, Chairman of Nature Cell, announced the plan to create the 'BIOSTAR Stemcell Campus' at a press conference held at a hotel in Washington, USA, on the 20th (local time). According to Chairman Ra, Nature Cell aims to break ground on this campus early next year and complete it by 2031.

He stated, "If construction begins in January next year, by the end of the year, the facility will be able to treat 20,000 patients." Nature Cell aims to produce up to one million doses of 'Jointstem' at this facility, which has a total floor area of 9,290 square meters (approximately 2,810 pyeong). Jointstem is an autologous stem cell therapy for severe degenerative arthritis, expected to be a new drug for treating severe knee degenerative arthritis through intra-articular injections.

Nature Cell expects that upon completion of the Baltimore campus, approximately 500 full-time jobs will be created locally. Chairman Ra cited the abundant professional workforce, generous policy support, and research collaboration with nearby Johns Hopkins Hospital as reasons for choosing Baltimore. Harry Coker, Maryland's Secretary of Commerce, who attended the event, stated, "Maryland is home to over 5,000 life sciences companies, making it one of the top bio clusters in the United States," and added, "Nature Cell is a perfect fit for this ecosystem." He also welcomed Nature Cell by saying, "You are now a member of the Maryland family."

Meanwhile, Chairman Ra disclosed the fact of a meeting with the U.S. regulatory authority, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regarding the Phase 2 clinical trial of Jointstem, claiming, "In this meeting, it was agreed with the FDA that there are no special obstacles to moving to Phase 3." He described the meeting as "a very important milestone" and said, "We have received the ticket to proceed to Phase 3." He further added, "It can be said that entering Phase 3 early next year is virtually confirmed." Seong Sang-mok, President of Global Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Nature Cell, also stated, "The important part is that consultations and agreements with the FDA have been completed."

Nature Cell also presented the results of five years of clinical trial follow-up data on site, repeatedly emphasizing the excellent sustainability and safety of Jointstem's effects.

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