Company accelerates global commercialization of one-shot cardiovascular and diabetes-targeted AAV therapy through a strategic alliance marrying Korean AI manufacturing with German biomedical excellence.
Munich, Germany — MarkHerz Inc. announced the establishment of an official spin-off entity of TUM Klinikum (Technical University of Munich Hospital) alongside the launch of a Korea–Germany BIO-AI Alliance designed to accelerate development and global commercialization of AAV-based gene therapies. The initiative combines South Korea’s AI-driven manufacturing technologies with Germany’s biomedical and clinical expertise.
On October 31, 2024, MarkHerz CEO Dr. Seungmin Lee signed a joint venture agreement with Prof. Dr. med. Christian Kupatt, Head of Structural Heart Disease at TUM Klinikum, formalizing a partnership built on approximately 15 years of joint research. Their collaborative work has been published in leading international journals, including Nature Medicine(2020) and Advanced Science (2022). Dr. Lee, a Ph.D. graduate of LMU Medical School, established MarkHerz to develop AAV-based therapeutics targeting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Professor Kupatt contributes extensive clinical and scientific expertise in cardiovascular regeneration and interventional cardiology.
The German spin-off is planned for launch in the first half of 2026 and will operate as an independent entity officially affiliated with TUM Klinikum. Dr. Lee will oversee technology commercialization, while Professor Kupatt will serve as Chief Scientific Officer, reinforcing the clinical development strategy for cardiovascular and diabetes-related indications. The formation of the spin-off coincides with rapid growth in Germany’s biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in Bavaria, which secured over €910 million in biopharma funding in 2024. Government-backed initiatives, such as a €500 million Martinsried mega-campus and a €361 million Max Planck Society campus, continue to expand the region’s innovation infrastructure, positioning the upcoming TUM spin-off as a development of interest within the local investment community.
MarkHerz’s lead program, an AAV therapy targeting cardiovascular and diabetes indications, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential. In a preclinical chronic myocardial ischemia model, cardiac function was significantly improved within 28 days following a single administration. The company’s initial clinical target is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), with the AAV delivery platform co-developed through collaborations with TUM Klinikum, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The platform also holds potential for broader application across the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular fields.
To support large-scale global manufacturing, MarkHerz plans to develop an AI-based automated production framework centered in South Korea. The company intends to establish the world’s first Korean-style AI Automated GMP Center in Germany through the new entity beginning in 2026, with the aim of enhancing production efficiency, precision, and supply chain reliability. Dr. Lee noted that the collaboration with TUM represents an opportunity to integrate Germany’s clinical capabilities with Korea’s AI-enabled manufacturing technologies to strengthen global competitiveness and long-term scalability.
MarkHerz anticipates that these developments will contribute to advancing next-generation gene therapy and expanding the company’s position within the global biotechnology sector.
About MarkHerz
MarkHerz Inc., founded on April 26, 2021, is a biotechnology company specializing in digital CGT CDMO services and the development of AAV-based gene and cell therapies. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, the company operates a dedicated research center in the same region and maintains a German branch in Eschborn through the KOSME GBC program. MarkHerz focuses on advancing next-generation gene therapy platforms and supporting global biopharmaceutical innovation through integrated research, development, and AI-driven manufacturing solutions. Additional information is available at www.markherzen.com / www.maav-up.com.
Media Contact
Grace Baek, CMO / Director
100pro@markherzen.com