[Edaily Reporter YU JIN-HEE ] #Cellbion Co., Ltd, a company specializing in radiopharmaceuticals (RPT), is significantly revolutionizing its next-generation drug discovery system by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Following the imminent commercialization of its core pipeline—a prostate cancer treatment—and the expansion of global clinical trials, the company is accelerating the advancement of its research and development (R&D) capabilities by securing a government-funded project to build an AI-based next-generation platform.

Cellbion Co., Ltd. announced on the 14th that it had been selected as a recipient of new funding under the “2026 Second Round of R&D Projects in the Biohealth Sector,” a program led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

This project aims to develop a digital design and manufacturing platform for “peptide-radioisotope conjugates” (PRCs) used in precision cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy using AI technology, and to complete a pilot manufacturing demonstration.Consortium of Industry, Academia, Research Institutes, and Hospitals Formed… Establishing a One-Stop “Design-Evaluation-Manufacturing” System As the lead R&D institution, Cellbion Co., Ltd. has formed a joint R&D consortium with Seoul National University Hospital, the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI), and Hits Co., Ltd.

This collaboration focuses on combining the core competencies of each institution to establish a full-cycle development system that seamlessly connects candidate compound discovery to finished product production without delay. The consortium organically integrates: △ Cellbion Co., Ltd.’s radiopharmaceutical-dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing and validation infrastructure; △ HITSU’s generative AI molecular design technology; △ the Korea Electronics Technology Institute’s Human-in-the-Loop AI (HITL-AI) data system; and △ Seoul National University Hospital’s expertise in preclinical and clinical validation.

In particular, this project will introduce HITL-AI technology, which instantly incorporates researchers’ expert judgment and feedback into the AI training process. Through this, the consortium plans to significantly improve the design accuracy and screening efficiency of cancer-targeted peptide candidates and rapidly derive radiolabeling and manufacturing conditions optimized for each compound’s characteristics.

Industry experts predict that once this platform is fully established, it will dramatically reduce both the time required for candidate discovery and the costs involved compared to conventional new drug development. Cellbion Co., Ltd.’s strategy goes beyond simple virtual design; the company aims to establish technical standards applicable to actual manufacturing processes through its in-house production facilities and complete the validation of large-scale manufacturing. The secured technology platform will serve as a springboard for identifying a new radiopharmaceutical pipeline targeting various intractable cancers, such as solid tumors.

Securing this government-funded AI project is seen as recognition at the government level of Cellbion Co., Ltd’s unparalleled clinical achievements and commercialization capabilities. The company has entered a phase of revaluation of its corporate value as it continues to make progress on the commercialization of its flagship pipeline and the formation of global partnerships. Its flagship product, “177Lu-Pocubotide” (hereinafter “Pocubotide”), a treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), has had a conditional marketing authorization application submitted to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, with approval expected by the end of the year.

Cellbion Co., Ltd recently began enrolling patients in a clinical trial combining Merck (MSD)’s immunotherapy “Keytruda” (generic name: pembrolizumab) with Pocubotide. Although this is a Phase 1 clinical trial, the design has been elevated to a Phase 3 level to rigorously validate efficacy endpoints such as overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). The company plans to complete patient enrollment by the end of this year and announce interim results in the first half of next year, with the goal of securing a global technology export (L/O) deal worth trillions of won.

AHN-GOOK PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Ltd.(001540)Open innovation through collaboration with other companies is another notable achievement. Earlier this month, Cellbion Co., Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AHN-GOOK PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Ltd to jointly research and develop radiopharmaceuticals for targeted cancer therapy, agreeing to diversify its R&D network and expand its pipeline. In addition, with preparations for the launch of the “Integrated R&D and Manufacturing (R&D·GMP) Center” at the Korea Pasteur Institute in Pangyo now complete, the company has fully established its “direct scale-up” capabilities, enabling it to complete the entire process—from new drug development to the supply of clinical and commercial products—at a single location.

A Cellbion Co., Ltd official emphasized, “This government-funded project is a meaningful endeavor that integrates Cellbion Co., Ltd’s accumulated expertise in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, dedicated GMP production facilities, and know-how in developing a diverse clinical pipeline with cutting-edge AI technology,” adding, “We will work closely with our joint research partners to complete a platform that seamlessly connects candidate discovery with the demonstration of finished product manufacturing, and we will continue to introduce next-generation radiopharmaceuticals that will succeed on the global stage.”