Celerion Partners With Korean Drug Development Fund

Celerion announced in a press release that it has partnered with the Korean Drug Development Fund (KDDF) to develop the drug discovery industry in South Korea. KDDF-funded companies will be able to access Celerion’s bioanalysis services and expertise in early clinical research. The two will collaborate on translational medicine, develop new drugs, and bring South Korean discoveries to market.

Susan Thornton, President and CEO of Celerion, said that Celerion was committed to “contributing to the growth of South Korea’s biomedical research industry.”

Dongho Lee, CEO of KDDF said, “Together with Celerion, KDDF will be able to provide professional consulting services to the Korean research communities to advance the research activities and promote important innovation.”

Celerion and KDDF Agreement

The Korean Drug Development Fund (KDDF) strives to assist South Korean companies that develop new medicines. The Fund began in 2011 as a government-funded strategy with a budget of US $1 billion, which also includes private matching funds. KDDF is actively seeking foreign investment and collaborations with biopharmaceutical organizations.

Celerion and KDDF made an agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It provides the framework for mutually beneficial activities. KDDF members, such as the Biomedical Research Institute at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), will be able to access Celerion’s expertise and its clinical partner sites. KDDF and Celerion will share knowledge and develop South Korean assets.

Seoul National University Hospital

Celerion announced recently in a press release that it partnered with the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH). Celerion will establish an Asian office within SNUH’s Clinical Trials Center. The move allows Celerion access to SNUH’s clinical research unit focused on clinical pharmacology, oncology, and pediatrics. Work at the Asian office will include translational medicine and early clinical studies with patients. Celerion stated that it has scouted three other South Korean trial centers for patients requiring confinement.

Celerion feels that the South Korean government’s funding and resources make the country’s hospital-based clinical trial centers a suitable match for clinical pharmacology studies, especially ethnic bridging studies in Asian populations. Ms. Thornton of Celerion said, “[SNUH is] a highly respected institution and among the global leaders in the conduct of quality medical research. Collectively, we are in a solid position to successfully conduct and analyze complex clinical pharmacology studies involving patients with access to specialized equipment and facilities.”