What Cellivery Therapeutics does

Cellivery Therapeutics Inc. is a South Korean clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2014 by Daewoong Jo and headquartered in Seoul, listed on KOSDAQ under ticker 268600 since 2018. The company develops cell-permeable therapeutic proteins built on its proprietary TSDT (Therapeutic-molecule Systemic Delivery Technology) platform, which leverages a library of 136 advanced macromolecule transduction domain (aMTD) cell-penetrating peptide sequences to deliver biologically active proteins, peptides, antibodies, and antisense oligonucleotides across cell membranes. The pipeline spans iCP-Parkin (Parkinson's disease and neurodegeneration), iCP-SOCS3 (solid tumors), iCP-NI (COVID-19 and sepsis-associated inflammatory disease), CP-BMP2 (bone regeneration), CP-SP (obesity), CP-FXN (Friedreich ataxia), and research reagents including iCP-Cre, CP-Cas9, CV-16, and CV-17.

The company monetizes the platform through out-licensing and research collaboration agreements with global pharmaceutical partners, including Takeda (2020), Ildong Pharmaceuticals (2016), and additional Top 10/20/40 global pharmas. Clinical and manufacturing execution is outsourced through a broad CDMO/CRO network (Richter-Helm, KBI Biopharma, Catalent, Eurofins, Aldevron, Charles River, Covance, Integrity Bio, Atuka, KBI Kunming). Standalone commercial revenue was 1,425 million KRW (~$1.07M USD) in 2022, against operating losses of 38.6 billion KRW and net losses of 87.5 billion KRW.

The company has been in severe financial and governance distress since 2022. A 700 billion KRW capital raise in October 2021 became the subject of derivative shareholder litigation alleging diversion of proceeds; the wholly-owned subsidiary Cellivery Living & Health (acquired November 2021 via the 149 billion KRW Ajin Keur deal) was divested at distressed prices in 2023; KOSDAQ trading was suspended in March 2023 after the auditor issued a going-concern disclaimer; and founder/CEO Daewoong Jo was arrested and indicted on fraud and capital-markets charges in February 2025, with equity reported at -199 billion KRW (208.3% impairment) as of June 2023.

Name

Cellivery Therapeutics

Legal name

주식회사 셀리버리

Website

https://cellivery.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cellivery Therapeutics is a Seoul-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell-permeable therapeutic proteins via its proprietary TSDT/aMTD platform for CNS, oncology, inflammatory, and rare-disease indications, monetized through licensing deals with global pharma partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cell-Permeable Protein Therapeutics / Intracellular Biopharmaceuticals

NAICS

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

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Therapeutic Peptides & Protein/Peptide Biologics (HLAAAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

RNA Delivery Technologies (LNPs, polymers, conjugates incl. GalNAc, peptides, exosomes) (HLAAADAD), Neurology & CNS Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAC)

Keywords

• Cell-penetrating peptides
• Intracellular protein delivery
• Biopharmaceutical licensing
• Macromolecule therapeutics
• Platform technology biotech

Headquarters

HQ city

Mapo

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Out-licensing / Technology Licensing: Cellivery's primary revenue model is licensing its TSDT platform technology and pipeline candidates to global pharmaceutical companies. The company executes research collaborations and master collaboration agreements with Top 3, Top 10, Top 20, and Top 40 global pharmas for development of cell-permeable therapeutics. Licensing deals generate near-term recurring revenue and build long-term royalty streams.
2. Corporate Research Alliances: Cellivery establishes long-term corporate R&D alliances with pharmaceutical partners to co-develop cell-permeable therapeutics, generating milestone payments and research funding. Such alliances produce near-term recurring revenue and help defray platform development expenses.
3. Revenue from Healthcare Subsidiary (Cellivery Living & Health): Cellivery Living & Health, a subsidiary, was projected to generate 650 billion KRW in revenue in 2022 and target 2 trillion KRW within 3 years through beauty and lifestyle health products using TSDT platform technology for skincare, dental care, and body care products. iCP-NI substance was to be supplied to the subsidiary for healthcare product applications.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cellivery Therapeutics develops and out-licenses a proprietary protein delivery platform called TSDT (Therapeuticmolecule Systemic Delivery Technology) — enabled by advanced Macromolecule Transduction Domains (aMTDs), which are hydrophobic cell-penetrating peptides that allow functional macromolecules (proteins, peptides, antibodies, ASOs, CRISPR components) to traverse cell membranes systemically. The platform underpins a pipeline of drug candidates targeting cancers, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, Friedreich ataxia), bone disorders, obesity, COVID-19/autoimmune inflammation, and serves as a research reagent for genome engineering (Cre recombinase, Cas9, iPSC reprogramming factors).

Product overview

Cellivery Therapeutics is a biotech company developing innovative drug candidates based on its proprietary TSDT (Therapeuticmolecule Systemic Delivery Technology) platform, which uses advanced macromolecule transduction domains (aMTDs) and hydrophobic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enable biologically active macromolecules to traverse cellular membranes. The portfolio spans multiple therapeutic areas and modalities: the core TSDT platform underpins all candidates, with drug candidates including iCP-SOCS3 (cancer/inflammation), iCP-Parkin (neurodegenerative diseases), iCP-NI (COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases), CP-BMP2 (bone healing), CP-SP (obesity), and CP-FXN (Friedreich ataxia); research reagents including iCP-Cre (genome engineering), iCP-RFs (iPSC reprogramming), and CP-Cas9 (genome editing); and preclinical candidates CV-16 (anti-KRAS lung cancer) and CV-17 (aMTD-ASO for neurodegenerative diseases).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TSDT (Therapeuticmolecule Systemic Delivery Technology) Platform A proprietary platform technology enabled by advanced Macromolecule Transduction Domains (aMTDs) — 136 synthetic hydrophobic cell-penetrating peptides — that allow biologically active macromolecules (peptides, proteins, antibodies, DNA fragments, ASOs, CRISPR components) to rapidly traverse cellular plasma membranes and distribute systemically via cell-to-cell delivery. The platform underpins all of Cellivery's therapeutic candidates and is the foundation for licensing collaborations with global pharma.
• iCP-SOCS3 Cell-permeable suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) recombinant protein fused to aMTD, developed as a protein-based intracellular replacement therapy for solid tumors (hepatoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, glioblastoma) and inflammatory disorders. Manufacturing via CMO partner Richter-Helm (Hamburg).
• iCP-Parkin Blood-brain barrier-crossing cell-permeable Parkin recombinant protein, developed as a disease-modifying neuroprotective agent for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's via mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, repairing damaged neurons. Active out-licensing evaluations by multiple Top 10/15/20 global pharma companies. Wistar Institute (NCI) proposed joint collaboration for anticancer repurposing (prostate and rare cancers).
• CP-BMP2 Cell-permeable bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) recombinant protein enabled by TSDT, designed for bone regeneration via simple injection without a carrier/scaffold or surgical procedure. Addresses rapid degradation and clearance issues of conventional recombinant human BMP2 (rhBMP2), demonstrating 8-fold higher bone regeneration in murine calvaria critical-sized defect model vs. control.
• CP-ΔSOCS3 (CP-SP) Size-minimized cell-permeable SOCS3 peptide (69-96) fused to aMTD, developed as an anti-obesity agent to overcome leptin resistance and maintain leptin-induced anti-appetite signals. CP-SP achieved 10.7% body weight loss and 8% reduction in abdominal fat mass in diet-induced obesity mouse model.
• iCP-Cre Improved cell-permeable Cre recombinase protein fused to aMTD for genome engineering applications, enabling site-specific recombination in cultured cells and whole-body or organ-specific recombination in genetically engineered mice following intravenous or local administration.
• iCP-RFs Improved cell-permeable reprogramming factor recombinant proteins fused to aMTD and solubilization domain (SD), enabling efficient reprogramming of terminally differentiated somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without requiring DNA-based expression vectors.
• CP-Cas9 Cell-permeable Cas9 protein enabled by TSDT for genome editing applications, enabling gene editing without DNA delivery by direct intracellular transduction of the Cas9 protein. Applicable to gene modification, genetic research, and stem cell therapy.
• iCP-NI Improved cell-permeable nuclear import inhibitor combining aMTD with nuclear localization signals (NLS) of stress-responsive transcription factors (NF-κB, STAT1/3, AP-1, NFAT), in development for COVID-19 immuno-therapy (including an inhalation formulation entering Phase 1), sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune uveitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Catalent serves as CMO for encapsulation; Eurofins for cream formulation; Covance for toxicity and IND regulatory consulting.
• CP-FXN (CV-14) Cell-permeable frataxin (FXN) protein developed via TSDT for the treatment of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by FXN protein deficiency leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Demonstrated 80% higher survival rate at 13 weeks in disease animal model vs. placebo.
• CP-scFvKRAS (CV-16) Cell-permeable single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting mutant KRAS proteins, fused to aMTD for efficient intracellular delivery into cancer cells to prevent cell division and proliferation in KRAS-mutant tumors of the pancreas, colon, and lung.
• aMTD-ASO (CV-17) Advanced macromolecule transduction domain (aMTD)-fused antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) developed using TSDT to improve cell- and tissue-permeability of ASOs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, enabling delivery to the central nervous system through general administration.
• Cellivery Living & Health (Subsidiary Product Line) Beauty and lifestyle healthcare products (skincare, dental care, body care) commercialized via the Cellivery Living & Health subsidiary, leveraging a non-exclusive license to the TSDT platform technology for healthcare/consumer applications. Includes Celligram (shampoo unit, sold 2023) and Deraphuse (cosmetics unit, sold 2023) brands.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13±1.1-fold greater cell-penetrating ability of aMTD vs. previous generation CPPs
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 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

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Wistar Institute (NCI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021The Wistar Institute (an NCI-designated cancer research institute) formally proposed a joint research collaboration with Cellivery to explore iCP-Parkin as an anticancer agent in prostate cancer and various rare cancer animal models, based on the protein's neuroprotective mechanism and ability to address protein aggregation.
• Top 10, Top 20, and Top 40 Global Pharmas Evaluating iCP-ParkincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Multiple global pharmaceutical companies including Top 10 and Top 15 ranked firms are actively evaluating iCP-Parkin for licensing, requesting additional brain PK data and providing positive feedback. Multiple global pharma companies also evaluating iCP-NI for COVID-19 indication. 2021 KBIC conference highlighted active out-licensing discussions.
• TakedacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Takeda, a Top 10 global pharma company, has a joint development partnership with Cellivery (announced September 2020), representing a significant validation of Cellivery's TSDT platform technology.
• Top 20 Global Pharma (Cell-Permeable Antibody)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Master Collaboration Agreement with a Top 20 global pharma for development of cell-permeable antibody therapeutics, signed in 2020.
• Top 40 Global Pharma (ASO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Research collaboration with a Top 40 global pharma for development of cell-permeable antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) therapeutics, initiated in 2020. Feasibility study with another Top 40 global pharma for cell-permeable siRNA was completed in 2018.
• Top 10 Global Pharma (sc-Fv)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Research collaboration with a Top 10 global pharmaceutical company for development of cell-permeable single-chain variable fragment (sc-Fv) therapeutics, announced in 2018.
• Top 20 Global Pharma (Rare Disease)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Research collaboration with a Top 20 global pharma for development of cell-permeable rare disease targeting recombinant protein, completed milestones 1-3. Milestone 1 completed 2019, Milestone 2 completed 2020, Milestone 3 completed 2021. CDA/MTA/FSA agreements executed.
• Ildong PharmaceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Collaboration agreement with Ildong Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. for development activities related to Cellivery's pipeline candidates.
• Vanderbilt UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Research and business partnering relationship with Vanderbilt University, where Dr. Daewoong Jo conducted doctoral research starting in 1997 and established foundational TSDT technology. Dr. Earl Ruley (Vanderbilt) joined as the company's Science & Business Advisor.
• Richter-HelmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRichter-Helm (Hamburg, Germany) serves as a CMO partner for process development and manufacturing of iCP-SOCS3, Cellivery's oncology candidate targeting solid tumors.
• KBI BiopharmacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKBI Biopharma (Durham, North Carolina, USA) provides cell line development and manufacturing services for iCP-Parkin, Cellivery's lead Parkinson's disease candidate.
• CatalentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatalent (Beinheim, France) handles encapsulation process development for iCP-NI, Cellivery's COVID-19 immunotherapeutic candidate.
• EurofinscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEurofins (Ghent, Belgium) conducts cream formulation development for iCP-NI, supporting the topical formulation pathway for inflammatory skin disease applications.
• AldevroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAldevron (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) provides process development and manufacturing for CP-BMP2, Cellivery's bone healing candidate.
• Charles RivercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharles River (Kuopio, Finland) conducts efficacy studies for iCP-Parkin in preclinical Parkinson's disease models.
• CovancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCovance (Huntingdon, UK; Somerset, US; New Jersey, US) provides safety study and analytical method development for iCP-Parkin, toxicity studies for iCP-NI, and regulatory consulting (pre-IND and IND) for iCP-NI.
• Integrity BiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrity Bio (CA, US) conducts formulation studies for iCP-Parkin and iCP-SOCS3, as well as drug product manufacturing for iCP-NI.
• AtukacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtuka (Toronto, Canada) is engaged in preclinical development activities for iCP-Parkin.
• KBI Biopharma (Kunming)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKBI Biopharma Kunming (China) conducts monkey safety and toxicity studies for iCP-SOCS3.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Voyager Therapeutics: Voyager focuses on AAV-mediated delivery of therapeutic genes/proteins to the CNS and has signed multiple high-profile licensing deals with pharma partners. It is comparable as a delivery-platform CNS biotech pursuing partnering economics similar to Cellivery's iCP-Parkin out-licensing approach.
• Arcturus Therapeutics: Arcturus develops nucleic-acid and protein delivery technologies (e.g., LNP platforms) and licenses its delivery platform to multiple pharma partners — a GTM motion closely aligned with Cellivery's platform-out-licensing model for aMTD-enabled proteins, antibodies, and ASOs.
• Denali Therapeutics: Denali is a BBB-penetration-focused CNS biotech pursuing enzyme/protein replacement and intracellular targets for neurodegeneration, overlapping directly with Cellivery's iCP-Parkin and aMTD-ASO programs that target Parkinson's and Alzheimer's via systemic BBB-crossing biologics.
• Bio-Techne: Bio-Techne supplies recombinant proteins, cell-penetrating peptides, and protein delivery reagents (including its TAT-based CPP products) to research and pharma customers — directly competing with Cellivery's iCP-Cre, iCP-RFs, CP-Cas9 research reagents and CPP-protein technology.
• Sarepta Therapeutics: Sarepta develops protein-based therapeutics for rare diseases (including CNS and muscular indications), with a comparable strategy of using engineered/modified proteins to address intracellular targets — directly analogous to Cellivery's cell-permeable protein approach for Parkinson's and Friedreich ataxia.

Others

• KBI Biopharma: KBI Biopharma is a CMO/CRO serving as Cellivery's cell line development and manufacturing partner for iCP-Parkin. Comparable as a specialized biologics CDMO supporting cell-permeable recombinant protein development — essential infrastructure for any TSDT-enabled candidate advancing to IND.
• Aldevron: Aldevron is one of Cellivery's CMO partners providing process development and manufacturing for CP-BMP2. Comparable as a critical-enabling CDMO within the cell-permeable protein manufacturing ecosystem that the TSDT platform depends on for clinical-stage progression.

Broad incumbents

• Takeda: Takeda is a Top-10 global pharma and existing Cellivery joint-development partner (announced 2020). Comparable as a Top-10 incumbent in CNS, oncology, and rare disease that licenses external platform technologies — the same profile as the partners evaluating iCP-Parkin.
• Roche: Roche is a Top-10 global pharma with active Parkinson's and rare-disease CNS pipelines and protein-therapeutic manufacturing capability. Comparable as one of the Top-10/20/40 global pharma partners evaluating Cellivery's iCP-Parkin and other pipeline candidates for licensing.
• Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Ionis is the established leader in antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics with broad pharma licensing partnerships. It is comparable to Cellivery's aMTD-ASO (CV-17) program as the dominant ASO delivery player with a similar multi-partner out-licensing business model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubecellivery.com/m61.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cellivery

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Cellivery Therapeutics