HLB BioStep Signs MOU for 'Korea-Japan Nonclinical Trial Business Cooperation'

HLB BiosStep has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for "Business Cooperation in Korea-Japan Nonclinical Trial Services" with Simic and Abitera.

On the 19th, at the HLB Group Hakdong building, Paik Sungjin, CEO of HLB BiosStep (from the right), Shogo Kobayashi, Chief Business Officer of Simic, and Son Gukjin, CEO of Abitera, are posing for a commemorative photo. HLB BiosStep

According to HLB BiosStep on August 20, the agreement aims to jointly respond to demand for nonclinical trials occurring in Korea and Japan by linking HLB BiosStep's nonclinical efficacy evaluation capabilities, Simic's non-human primate (NHP) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology testing capabilities, and Abitera's domestic and international client network.

HLB BiosStep will identify overseas nonclinical trial needs, such as non-human primate GLP toxicology testing, arising from Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and connect them with Simic. In addition, based on its own efficacy evaluation capacity, the company plans to secure demand for efficacy and pharmacology tests for non-rodent species in Japan and carry them out in Korea, thereby expanding bilateral business cooperation.

Simic is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides comprehensive new drug development services, including nonclinical and clinical trials, pharmaceutical development, and manufacturing, primarily in Japan. In the nonclinical sector, Simic conducts toxicology testing, safety pharmacology, efficacy evaluation, and bioanalysis. Under the current partnership, Simic will support overseas nonclinical trials, including non-human primate GLP toxicology testing.

Abitera connects domestic pharmaceutical and biotech firms with global nonclinical and clinical specialist organizations and supports both drug and business development. As part of this agreement, Abitera will support the identification of new business opportunities and client communication by leveraging its client networks in Korea and Japan.

The three companies plan to pursue: ▲support for overseas nonclinical trials such as non-human primate GLP toxicology testing for domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies ▲identification and interlinking of nonclinical trial business opportunities in Korea and Japan ▲collaboration in efficacy and pharmacology studies for non-rodent species ▲joint client meetings and technical consultations ▲cooperation in seminars, academic conferences, and other joint business development activities.

Paik Sungjin, CEO of HLB BiosStep, stated, "This agreement is meaningful because it expands the network capable of supporting overseas non-human primate GLP toxicology tests for Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies, while also laying the foundation to connect Japanese nonclinical trial demand to Korea. By combining each company's expertise and the Korea-Japan network, we will provide nonclinical trial services tailored to our clients' development strategies and continue to expand global business opportunities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.