Seo Jeong-jin: "I will personally explain the antibody treatment after Seol"… Indicates active response to variant viruses

Kim Gang-rip, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (right), is examining a sample of the COVID-19 antibody treatment "Rekkironaju" at the 'COVID-19 Antibody Treatment Production Site Inspection' held on the afternoon of the 8th at Celltrion's second factory in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. On the left is Seo Jung-jin, Chairman of the Celltrion Group.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] "We will respond swiftly if any (COVID-19) variants or changes occur, just in case."

"We will explain parts that the public might misunderstand after the Lunar New Year." (Seo Jung-jin, Chairman of Celltrion)

On the 8th, Chairman Seo made these remarks when he met Kim Gang-rip, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, who visited Celltrion's Plant 2 in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, to inspect the manufacturing site of the COVID-19 antibody treatment. Chairman Seo's attendance was a surprise event that was not originally scheduled.

At this meeting, Chairman Seo expressed his determination to respond quickly to the emergence of variant viruses. This statement appears to be in response to recent claims that Celltrion's antibody treatments, such as Regkirona (CT-P59), might actually increase the risk of infection by variant viruses.

Chairman Seo said, "If mutations or changes occur, we will respond promptly, as our role is ultimately to reduce harm to the public," adding, "We will thoroughly manage quality and immediately report and consult if any abnormal phenomena occur during clinical trials."

Regarding the current situation, Chairman Seo explained, "There have been about 4,000 mutations in the COVID-19 virus," noting that among the 20 key amino acids in the spike protein, mutations have occurred in up to 4. He added, "All vaccines and treatments may weaken against variant viruses, and we are currently measuring how much they are weakened," further stating, "Experiments related to variant viruses, including neutralization tests using Regkirona, are being conducted with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as well as in the UK, the US, South Africa, and France."

Chairman Seo also revealed plans to hold a session this month to provide a direct explanation on this matter. He said, "In fact, I had many things I wanted to say when submitting the approval documents, but I refrained to avoid misunderstandings," and added, "I plan to explain parts that some citizens might misunderstand after the Lunar New Year." This is intended to comprehensively summarize the developments Celltrion has made so far.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the Central Disease Control Headquarters plans to temporarily purchase Regkirona directly and supply it to medical institutions (hospitals) starting mid-month. The burden on the government and patients will be determined depending on the level at which health insurance reimbursement rates are set. Chairman Seo also emphasized on this day, "I recently proposed the price of Regkirona to the Disease Control Agency based on manufacturing costs."

Celltrion currently has a stockpile of Regkirona sufficient for 100,000 people and plans to produce up to 3 million doses annually to meet domestic and international demand. Yoon Jung-won, Head of Celltrion's Manufacturing Division, said, "We have started preparations for the first shipment," adding, "Plant 1, where Regkirona is produced, can manufacture 2 million doses annually, and in emergencies, Plant 2 can also be used to produce up to 3 million doses."

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