Thermo Fisher Scientific Partners with Dr. Park CDMO to Enhance Viral Vector Manufacturing
1. Strategic Collaboration to Boost Cell and Gene Therapy Production
In a significant development for the biopharmaceutical industry, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the preeminent leader in scientific services, announced on September 25, 2025, that it has been selected by Dr. Park, a burgeoning viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in South Korea, to equip its new viral vector manufacturing facility. This collaboration marks an important step in advancing the capabilities and capacity of viral vector production in the region.
2. Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Dr. Park specializes in producing Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based viral vectors, achieving a production capacity of 5,000 liters per batch with the ability to generate up to 40 clinical-grade batches annually. The newly inaugurated Phase 1 facility, which opened its doors on August 5, 2025, is designed to achieve current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification by 2026, thereby expanding access to vital cell and gene therapies on a global scale. Additionally, plans are already in motion to increase the facility's capacity to 10,000 liters per batch in the future.
To realize these ambitious goals, Dr. Park's facility will implement several advanced technologies from Thermo Fisher’s extensive portfolio. Key equipment includes the Thermo Fisher Scientific™ HyPerforma™ 1,000 L Single-Use Bioreactor, the Thermo Scientific™ Nunc™ Automated Cell Factory Manipulator, and the Thermo Scientific™ DynaSpin™ Single-Use Centrifuge. These cutting-edge solutions are designed to optimize both upstream and downstream processes, minimize manual interventions, and facilitate rapid scaling from clinical to commercial production.
3. Commitment to Quality and Efficiency
By enhancing process control and automation, the equipment provided by Thermo Fisher will significantly improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. This is particularly critical given the rising global demand for therapeutics, as the industry seeks to maintain stringent quality, safety, and regulatory compliance standards.
Daniella Cramp, Senior Vice President and President of BioProduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are proud to collaborate with Dr. Park CDMO as they advance viral vector manufacturing in South Korea. By providing our reliable and scalable bioprocessing solutions, we aim to speed up development and delivery of cell and gene therapies to patients who need them.”
4. Addressing Growing Global Demand
The collaboration between Thermo Fisher and Dr. Park reflects a broader trend emphasizing the necessity of robust viral vector manufacturing capabilities as cell and gene therapies transition from research phases to clinical and commercial applications. The establishment of advanced manufacturing infrastructure is pivotal for accelerating development timelines and widening patient access to transformative treatments.
Yong-Ho Park, CEO of Dr. Park, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific has been instrumental in equipping our new facility with advanced bioproduction capabilities. Their cutting-edge technologies and deep expertise are critical enablers of our long-term vision and will strengthen our ability to serve customers globally.”
5. A Shared Vision for Innovation
Tony Acciarito, President of Asia Pacific and Middle East, Africa at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the importance of collaboration in scientific advancement, stating, “Collaboration is essential in advancing scientific innovation and bringing new therapies to patients. Our work with Dr. Park CDMO reflects a shared commitment to building robust manufacturing capabilities in South Korea and across the region. By working together, we can progress cell and gene therapies and support the evolving needs of the industry.”
6. Conclusion
As the global landscape for cell and gene therapies continues to evolve, the partnership between Thermo Fisher Scientific and Dr. Park CDMO represents a significant advancement in manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration not only underscores the increasing importance of viral vector production but also highlights the critical role of innovation and strategic partnerships in meeting the growing demands of the biopharmaceutical industry. With plans for future capacity expansions and a commitment to quality, this partnership is poised to make a substantial impact on healthcare accessibility worldwide.
