Kolon signs MOU with Hanyang Univ. to develop gene therapy treatments

Kolon Industries Inc.'s Future Technology Institute said on Thursday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hanyang University Industry-Academia Collaboration Group to promote joint gene therapy R&D.

Through the latest agreement, the two parties agreed to work together for joint research on gene therapy technology, training of personnel, exchange of academic information, and customized education consultation.

The institute will focus on securing biopharmaceutical technology through this collaboration. As the global pharmaceutical trend is shifting from chemically formulated drugs to bio-pharmaceuticals, the company plans to further strengthen its global competitiveness by discovering new technologies with Hanyang University's biotech researchers.

"By establishing a collaborative system with Hanyang University, we expect to lead the development of biotech, including nurturing experts and securing global competitiveness," said Han Seong-soo, head of the Kolon Future Technology Institute.

"Through the business agreement with Kolon Industries, we will be able to create synergy in the development of source technology and the commercialization of gene therapy technology by expanding opportunities for academic-research-industry linkage," said Byun Joong-moo, head of Hanyang University's Industry-Academia Collaboration Group.

Write to Seo-Woo Jang at suwu@hankyung.com