The Bio-Printing Regenerative Medicine Research Society Hosts Inaugural Symposium

The Bio-Printing Regenerative Medicine Research Society (President Dae-Hee Kang, hereafter referred to as ‘BPRM’) announced that it will host an inaugural symposium on the 24th at the Seoul National University Convergence Medical Technology Institute.

BPRM was formed by experts in the fields of bio-printing technology research and clinical applications. The establishment of the society is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the competitiveness of South Korea’s medical industry in bio-printing and regenerative medicine. President Dae-Hee Kang is the head of the Future Technology Research Group at Seoul National University College of Medicine and served as the dean of the same college for six years. He was also a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Future Planning. The Operations Chair is Professor Seong-Keun Kwon from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Seoul National University College of Medicine.

The symposium will feature congratulatory speeches from Director Seong-Ho Eun of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Seok-Hwan Yoo, CEO of ROKIT Healthcare. Presentations include:

• Professor In-Ho Jo from Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, who will discuss the activities and direction of the Pan-Governmental Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project.
• Professor Seong-Keun Kwon from Seoul National University College of Medicine’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, who will cover the clinical aspects of bio-printing.
• Professor Jinah Jang from POSTECH, who will address the technological aspects of bio-printing.
• Vice President Gina Ryu from ROKIT Healthcare, who will present on the industrial aspects of bio-printing.

The panel discussion, focusing on the present and future of bio-printing technology, will feature Vice President Gil-Won Kim of the Korea Bio Reporters Association, Emeritus Professor Jong-Won Lee from the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, and CTO Ji-Hee Kim of ROKIT Healthcare.

Bio-printing technology replicates the complex three-dimensional structures of tissues and organs using 3D printing technology. It enables the production of artificial hearts, blood vessels, and skin using real cells and biological materials. Active research is underway in domestic university laboratories and various companies in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with significant efforts being made in product development.

President Dae-Hee Kang stated, “For patients to experience revolutionary medical advancements, it is crucial for industry, education, research, and hospitals (industry-academia-research-hospitals) to collaborate organically. Through this symposium, we aim to bring together various stakeholders and, via BPRM, foster industry-academia-research-hospital collaboration to define the future direction of bio-printing and regenerative medicine and achieve significant outcomes.”

In 2019, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced R&D strategies and long-term plans to promote the development of the bio-printing industry. Regarding regenerative medicine, they enacted the ‘Advanced Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Biopharmaceuticals Safety and Support Act,’ and since 2021, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have jointly established the ‘Pan-Governmental Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project Group’ to support the operation of related national projects, technology development, and transfer.

A BPRM representative stated, “Bio-printing and regenerative medicine technologies are expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s medical industry, playing a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as in the treatment and regeneration of organs damaged by aging, thereby contributing to healthy aging. Greater investment and research in technology development are needed, and bio-printing and regenerative medicine will help address the challenges posed by an aging population.”

Through this inaugural symposium, BPRM aims to raise awareness of the importance of bio-printing in regenerative medicine and recruit members to join the society. The symposium is free to attend and will be broadcast live on YouTube.

Symposium registration website: www.bprm.or.kr