CytoMed Therapeutics Seals TCB-002 Technology Deal, Eyes China and India Market Entry

Singapore-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical developer CytoMed Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: GDTC) has finalized its purchase of allogeneic gamma delta T cell technology from TC BioPharm Limited, a subsidiary of TC BioPharm (Holdings) PLC (OTC: TCBPY). The transaction, announced in October 2025, represents a strategic move to establish a next-generation non-viral immunotherapy platform targeting cancer and autoimmune disease treatment.

Technology Acquisition and Clinical Track Record

The acquired asset, designated TCB-002, brings proven clinical credentials to CytoMed’s pipeline. The technology has previously advanced through Phase I clinical trials in Europe and received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment. By integrating this technology, CytoMed aims to enhance its donor-derived cell-based immunotherapy capabilities and accelerate market expansion into key Asian markets.

Strategic Manufacturing Innovation for Asian Markets

A distinguishing feature of this acquisition lies in the proposed manufacturing methodology. CytoMed is currently in advanced partnership discussions to develop a novel approach that produces unmodified allogeneic gamma delta T cells using cytokines rather than living cell cultures. This innovation holds particular significance for market penetration in China, where strict biological material import-export regulations have historically posed challenges.

The cost advantage is substantial: cytokine-based production in China proves significantly more economical than traditional cell cultivation methods. This economic efficiency, combined with regulatory compatibility, positions the technology favorably for scaled deployment within China’s healthcare system.

Regulatory Tailwinds in China

The timing of this acquisition aligns with significant regulatory developments. State Council Decree No. 818, effective October 10, 2025, fundamentally restructures China’s cellular therapy approval landscape. Rather than following conventional drug registration pathways, cell therapies are now categorized as biotechnological medical procedures under a “clinical research to clinical application” framework.

Peter Choo, Chairman of CytoMed Therapeutics, highlighted the strategic importance: “This regulatory shift creates a streamlined pathway for approved therapies to achieve medical service reimbursement integration. It represents a tailored opportunity for CytoMed’s proprietary allogeneic gamma delta T cell platform to establish a robust China presence.”

This regulatory evolution follows the State Council’s September 2025 decision to liberalize cellular product clinical applications, signaling China’s commitment to advancing cell therapy accessibility.

Comparative Advantages in Allogeneic Therapy

Donor-derived allogeneic therapies offer distinct clinical and commercial advantages over patient-derived autologous approaches. Key benefits include accelerated treatment timelines, improved accessibility, and superior cost-effectiveness—factors particularly valuable in emerging markets like China and India where healthcare affordability remains a priority.

CytoMed’s Broader Platform Development

Beyond this acquisition, CytoMed Therapeutics continues advancing its proprietary gamma delta T cell and CAR-γδ T cell technologies. The China National Intellectual Property Administration has granted patent protection for these innovations. Currently, the company is conducting a first-in-human Phase I investigational new drug trial at the National University Hospital Singapore, with Malaysian regulatory filings also in progress.

CytoMed was established in 2018 as a spin-off from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The company’s research was inspired by the clinical success of CAR-T therapies in blood cancers and seeks to address the ongoing challenges in extending CAR-T principles to solid tumor treatment.

The completion of this acquisition carries no material near-term financial impact on the company, allowing CytoMed to focus on partnership execution and regulatory advancement in its target markets.