What SCM Lifescience does

SCM Lifescience (에스씨엠생명과학 주식회사) is a South Korean clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Incheon Songdo, focused on developing high-purity stem cell therapies for rare and intractable diseases. The company's scientific foundation is its proprietary Subfractionation Culturing Method (층분리배양법), a source technology for isolating and culturing clonal mesenchymal stem cell lines at higher purity (>95%) and colony-forming efficiency (5x conventional methods) than gradient centrifugation alternatives. This technology underpins a pipeline of allogeneic bone marrow-derived stem cell candidates — SCM-AGH for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (Phase 2 completed, results published in JACI), SCM-AGH for acute pancreatitis (Phase 2a completed, results in Gastroenterology), and SCM-CGH for chronic graft-versus-host disease (Phase 2 ongoing, Korea's 23rd orphan drug designation). The company also operates an immune cell therapy portfolio via its US subsidiary CoImmune, including CARCIK-CD19 (76.2% complete remission in Phase 1/2) and CMN-001 dendritic cell vaccine (FDA-approved Phase 2b in metastatic renal cell carcinoma). Manufacturing capability is anchored on 3D bioreactor mass production technology developed with PBS Biotech and human platelet lysate (hPL)-based culture media replacing animal-derived serum.

The company operates a dual business model. On the pharmaceutical side, it pursues B2B licensing-out of pipeline candidates (notably to Handok for atopic dermatitis in Korea), contract manufacturing services (CHA Biotech CMO partnership), and equity-linked commercialization deals. On the consumer side, it sells IRORO and the newly launched Enseria cosmetics brands — containing proprietary CXCL1 protein for haircare and bone marrow-derived stem cell culture media for skincare — through exclusive regional distributors across Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and China, with initial China export contracts valued at ~4 billion KRW. The company is publicly listed on KOSDAQ (ticker 298060), holds 80+ patents across 15+ jurisdictions, and has pursued international expansion through acquisitions of CoImmune (USA, 2020), Formula (Italy, 2020), Pungjeon Pharmaceutical (2025), and Dermassimo (2025). SCM Lifescience is currently undergoing operational restructuring under a CEO transition completed in October 2024, accompanied by a 2026 stock consolidation.

Name

SCM Lifescience

Legal name

에스씨엠생명과학 주식회사

Website

https://scmlifescience.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SCM Lifescience is a South Korean clinical-stage biotechnology company developing allogeneic stem cell therapies for rare and intractable diseases (atopic dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, GVHD) using its proprietary Subfractionation Culturing Method, while also distributing IRORO and Enseria cosmetics brands across Asian markets through exclusive regional partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biopharmaceutical Cell Therapy

NAICS

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)

akta.pro primary industry

Stem Cell Therapies (MSC/iPSC/HSC-derived) (HLAAABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Stem Cell–Based Regenerative Therapies (HLAAAGAA), Cell Therapy Developers (Allogeneic/Off-the-shelf) (HLAAABAB), Cell Therapy Manufacturing Services (GMP, autologous/allogeneic) (HLAAAKAC), Immunology & Inflammation Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAD)

Keywords

• Stem cell therapy
• Cell therapy products
• Regenerative medicine
• Cosmeceutical products
• Contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Incheon

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Stem Cell Therapy Licensing: Revenue from licensing out stem cell therapy candidates (SCM-AGH for atopic dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, GVHD) to pharmaceutical partners. Deal with Handok for domestic licensing, with ongoing technology transfer negotiations with global pharma companies.
2. Cosmetic Products: Revenue from skincare and haircare products under brands IRORO and Enserea, sold through partner distributors in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and China, with exports of approximately 4 billion KRW in initial contracts.
3. Contract Manufacturing (CMO): CMO services for bone marrow-derived cell therapy products, including partnerships with CHA Biotech and PBS Biotech for manufacturing process development.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

SCM Lifescience develops and supplies high-purity, high-efficacy allogeneic stem cell therapies for intractable diseases including atopic dermatitis (SCM-AGH), acute pancreatitis (SCM-AGH), and chronic graft-versus-host disease (SCM-CGH), plus immune cell therapies (CARCIK-CD19, CMN-001) via its CoImmune subsidiary. The company also operates consumer cosmeceutical brands IRORO and Enseria featuring stem cell culture media and CXCL1 protein ingredients, and provides contract manufacturing (CMO) services for cell therapy products.

Product overview

SCM Lifescience is a bio company providing high-quality (high-purity + high-efficacy) cell therapy products for treating incurable diseases. The company operates two main business divisions: (1) Stem Cell Therapeutics including SCM-AGH for atopic dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, and graft-versus-host disease, plus CAR-CIK and dendritic cell cancer immunotherapies through its CoImmune affiliate; and (2) Cosmeceuticals including the Iroro and Enseria skincare brands containing proprietary bone marrow-derived stem cell culture medium and CXCL1 proteins. The portfolio is underpinned by the company's proprietary Subfractionation Culturing Method technology for high-purity stem cell isolation and a 3D Bioreactor-based mass production manufacturing system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IRORO (이로로): Skincare and haircare brand featuring stem cell-derived culture media and CXCL1 protein for hair loss prevention
• Enseria (엔세리아)
• Iroro Nuvon (이로로 뉴본)

Products and services

• SCM-AGH (Atopic Dermatitis Treatment) Allogeneic bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cell therapy for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Produced using the company's proprietary Subfractionation Culturing Method for high-purity stem cell isolation. Phase 2 clinical trial completed with statistically significant EASI-50/75/90 responses published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
• SCM-AGH (Acute Pancreatitis Treatment) Allogeneic bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cell therapy for moderate-to-severe acute pancreatitis. Designated as rare drug by Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2020. Phase 2a clinical trial completed with results published in Gastroenterology.
• SCM-CGH (Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Treatment) Allogeneic bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD). Designated as Korea's 23rd orphan drug in development stage from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2019.
• CARCIK-CD19 Allogeneic, virus-free CAR-CIK (Cytokine-Induced Killer) cell therapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Uses the Sleeping Beauty transfer factor system. Phase 1/2 clinical trial demonstrated a 76.2% complete remission rate. Developed through the CoImmune (USA) subsidiary.
• CMN-001 mRNA-based dendritic cell anti-cancer vaccine for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Uses tumor RNA electroporated dendritic cells. In Phase 2 clinical trial with 90 patients. Developed through the CoImmune (USA) subsidiary.
• IRORO Cosmetics Brand Skincare and haircare brand containing proprietary ingredients including CXCL1 hair loss prevention protein and human bone marrow-derived stem cell culture medium. Includes IRORO Nuvon (anti-aging), IRORO AD Intensive Cream (skin barrier), and IRORO DierScalp (haircare) product lines. Trademarks registered in Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.
• Enseria (엔세리아) Cosmetics Brand Premium skincare brand launched in February 2025 targeting middle-aged and older consumers with an elegant and sophisticated image, positioned alongside the IRORO brand for a dual-brand global marketing strategy.
• SCMVial Research Cells Research-use stem cell product using the proprietary Subfractionation Culturing Method. Enables consistent quality cells from basic research through clinical stages for stem cell therapy research applications.
• Contract Manufacturing (CMO) Services CMO services for bone marrow-derived cell therapy products, including partnerships with CHA Biotech and PBS Biotech for manufacturing process development using the company's 3D Bioreactor mass production technology.

Quantifiable outcome

• Statistically significant EASI-50 response at Week 12 in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis Phase 1/2 trial
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pungjeon Pharmaceutical (풍전약품)coreOthers · 1 July 2025Acquisition completed in July 2025 as part of company's M&A strategy for rapid cGMP and global pipeline expansion.
• Dermassimo (주식회사 더마시모)coreOthers · 1 July 2025Acquisition completed in July 2025 to expand cosmetics business and secure additional pipeline.
• Onhill (온힐)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2025MOU for joint development of pet cell therapy products. Combining SCM Lifescience's stem cell technology with Onhill's pet healthcare platform expertise and market network for innovative cell therapy development for companion animals.
• Regina Skin Medical Company Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 October 2024Chinese state-owned enterprise partnership for exclusive distribution of IRORO cosmetics brand (skincare and haircare products) across China. Initial export contract of approximately 4 billion KRW. Products include CXCL1-based haircare and cell-activated culture media skincare lines.
• Isblanc (이즈블랑)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 September 2024Exclusive licensing agreement for IRORO Nuvon newborn skincare products distribution in Japan, with launch preparations underway.
• Cherry Trading Limited CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2024Exclusive distribution agreement for all IRORO products in Vietnam. Vietnamese government approval received for cosmetics launch in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
• Duopharma Biotech BerhadcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2024Haircare product supply contract with Malaysian state-owned pharmaceutical company. Halal certification obtained for IRORO products. Distribution through Duopharma Consumer Healthcare subsidiary.
• Inha University / Inha University HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Joint business agreement for strategic technology commercialization. Collaboration on autoimmune disease stem cell multi-process platform development (2024 Pan-Ministry Regenerative Medical Technology Development Project).
• HandokcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Equity investment and license-out contract for severe atopic dermatitis stem cell treatment. Handok expected to announce Phase 3 clinical trial participation decision.
• PBS BiotechcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Partnership for 3D bioreactor mass production process development. Global innovation company for cell therapy manufacturing process achieving groundbreaking cell yield rates.
• TheraImmuneminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020MOU for joint development of cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.
• CoImmune Inc. (USA)coreOthers · 1 January 2020US subsidiary acquired for dendritic cell vaccine and CAR-CIK cell therapy development. FDA-approved Phase 2b trial for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
• Formula (Italy)minorOthers · 1 January 2020Italian subsidiary acquired as part of European market expansion through M&A.
• T&R BiofabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MOU for joint development of 3D bioprinting integrated treatment.
• Ilya BiologicsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MOU for joint development of high-purity mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.
• SyntekabiominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MOU for joint research on next-generation cell therapy products and biomarkers.
• ToolgenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018MOU for gene-inserted stem cell therapy development.
• University of UtahcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Joint research agreement for stem cell therapy using cell sheet technology. NIMS Award 2022 recipient for tissue engineering research using SCM's source technology.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Medipost: Korean biotech commercializing Cartistem (allogeneic MSC therapy for knee cartilage) and PneumoStem. Directly comparable as a Korean MSC therapy company with similar regulatory pathway, customer base (hospitals), and orphan/rare disease focus.
• Corestem: Korean biotech developing Neuronata-R (autologous bone marrow MSC therapy for ALS). Direct peer with same source material (bone marrow-derived MSCs), Korean regulatory focus, and rare intractable disease positioning.
• Mesoblast: Australian commercial-stage MSC therapy company with Remestemcel-L for pediatric SR-aGVHD and Revascor for heart failure. Closest international peer with comparable allogeneic MSC platform, GVHD indication overlap, and regulatory/clinical pathway.
• Pluristem Therapeutics: Israel-based company developing PLX cell therapy products from placenta-derived mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells. Comparable allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapy approach targeting inflammatory and ischemic conditions with similar licensing-based commercialization model.
• Cynata Therapeutics: Australian clinical-stage company developing CYP-001 and other iPSC-derived MSC therapies for GvHD and osteoarthritis. Comparable allogeneic MSC platform with similar disease focus and partnership-driven development model.
• Athersys: US-based clinical-stage company developing MultiStem (allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSC therapy) for stroke, ARDS, and GvHD. Direct peer with comparable source material, allogeneic platform, and overlapping GvHD indication.
• Kangstem Biotech: Korean biotech developing stem cell therapies including osteoarthritis and atopic dermatitis applications. Direct Korean peer with overlapping MSC-derived therapies and similar consumer/clinical cosmetics hybrid business model.
• CHA Biotech: Korean biotech with stem cell and cord blood banking operations, CMO services, and CAR-T pipeline. SCM's CMO partner and most operationally comparable Korean cell therapy company with similar manufacturing focus.
• Adaptimmune: US-based clinical-stage cell therapy company developing SPEAR T-cell receptor therapies for solid tumors. Comparable to SCM's CoImmune-acquired CARCIK-CD19 and CMN-001 programs in cell-based cancer immunotherapy approach.

Broad incumbents

• Celltrion: South Korea's largest biopharmaceutical company, biosimilars leader, with expanding cell therapy and biosimilar pipeline. Established Korean biopharma incumbent providing market context, comparable regulatory environment, and potential as a strategic acquirer or partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@scmlifescience

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SCM Lifescience