GC Biopharma, a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in South Korea, has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with US-based Catalyst Biosciences to acquire 3 programmes related to the orphan haematology disorders.

This agreement will bring to GC Biopharma 3 programmes, including "Marzeptacog alfa (MarzAA)", an engineered factor VIIa which is ready for Phase 3 clinical stage development.

In its previous clinical development trials, "MarzAA" demonstrated efficacy and safety as a treatment for rare bleeding disorders. More significantly, "MarzAA", unlike majority of existing therapeutics, is delivered by subcutaneous injection, making it more convenient to administer and less burdensome for the patients, who require life-long treatment.

It is GC Biopharma's plan to continue development of the asset in pursuit of launching a first-in-class novel drug that will pave the way for the company to make inroads into the global markets, including the US and other advanced markets.

Since its founding, GC Biopharma has worked on providing better therapeutic options for haemophilia, one of the most well-known rare bleeding disorders. "Green Mono", a plasma-derived FVIII drug, and "GreenGene F", a recombinant FVIII drug are haemophilia drugs exclusively developed by the company.

GC Biopharma is keen to develop new drugs for various orphan disorders not only through its in-house R&D capabilities, but also through leveraging its strength in managing external partnerships.