COLLEGE STATION, Texas– Matica Biotechnology, Inc. (Matica Bio), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), today announced the appointment of Paul Kim as chief executive officer (CEO).
As incoming CEO, Kim will manage daily operations and provide strategic direction to Matica Bio as it rapidly expands its capacity and capabilities in the U.S. and Korea. Yun Jeong Song, outgoing president and CEO, will take on a new role as president of Matica Holdings.
Kim brings to Matica Bio nearly three decades of experience across the CDMO, CRO and R&D biopharma sectors as CEO, managing director, chief business officer, managing partner and executive board member at WCCT Global, Genopis, Cobra Biologics, Cognate BioServices, and Novartis Venture Fund. Kim led the first global biotech fund focusing on innovative Asian biotech investments at Novartis Venture Fund.
Kim is also the founder of Forward Equity Partners (formerly Medivate Partners), a private equity firm focused on cross-border healthcare and life sciences investments – the first ever in Korea. Specializing in CGT, Kim has invested in more than 15 global biotechs and 4 CDMOs over the last 10 years. He currently serves on the boards of SCAI Therapeutics and Riva Therapeutics in San Diego. Kim earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular cell biology from University of California, Berkeley.
“Matica Bio’s bespoke approach to CGT manufacturing, at its purpose-built GMP facility, is perfectly suited to successfully manufacture cell and gene therapies, unlike any other in the CDMO industry today,” said Kim. “Together with the deep scientific expertise in-house, I look forward to propelling Matica Bio forward in the rapidly changing CGT industry.”
Kim’s appointment as CEO is the latest in a series of strategic milestones that the company has announced. Along with Kim’s appointment, Matica Bio plans to further expand board capacity later this year. Last year, the company also optimized several critical components for efficient CGT manufacturing processes, including its fully closed system approach, 100 percent single-use platform, advanced analytical capabilities, and the launch of its high-performance proprietary cell line, MatiMaxTM.
