IASO Bio Partners with GC Cell to Bring CAR T Therapy to South Korea

SHANGHAI, CHINA & PLEASANTON, CA — October 29, 2025 — Nanjing IASO Biotechnology (“IASO Bio”) today announced an exclusive agreement with South Korea’s GC Cell to introduce the CAR T-cell therapy “Fucaso” (Equecabtagene Autoleucel) to the South Korean market for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

The partnership aims to provide a new, accessible therapeutic option for Korean patients struggling with this incurable blood cancer, especially those in advanced stages where treatment options are severely limited due to cost and drug resistance. GC Cell plans to immediately pursue domestic regulatory approval and commercialization.

Expedited Pathway for BCMA-Targeted Therapy

Fucaso is a BCMA (B Cell Maturation Antigen)-targeted CAR T-cell therapy developed by IASO Bio. It received approval and is currently being prescribed to patients in China since June 2023. Multiple myeloma incidence is rising in South Korea due to an aging population, creating a critical lack of viable treatments for patients who become resistant to existing therapies.

GC Cell has already taken steps to expedite the therapy’s path to market:

• Orphan Drug Designation: Received from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in July.
• Fast-Track Status: Selected as an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product by Korean regulators in August, speeding up the review and development process.

“This contract marks a meaningful first step for GC Cell, as Korea’s leading cell therapy company, to lay the groundwork for CAR T commercialization,” said Sungyong Won, Co-CEO of GC Cell. “We will work to stabilize the supply chain so that patients can have the opportunity to receive treatment at a more reasonable cost.”

Global Strategy and Accessibility Focus

Jinhua Zhang, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of IASO Bio, highlighted the global implications of the deal: “This partnership is a significant milestone in our global strategy. It not only validates the international potential of Fucaso but also enables us to leverage our strengths with GC Cell’s regulatory and commercial expertise in Korea.”

By securing a competitive price point, the therapy is expected to significantly improve accessibility for multiple myeloma patients in South Korea who have few remaining effective options.