Noh Moon-jong, who led development of Kolon TissueGene’s TG-C osteoarthritis cell and gene therapy for approximately 30 years, has resigned as CEO, leaving Jeon Seung-ho as the company’s sole chief executive. Noh cited personal reasons, while industry observers linked the departure to the failure of a U.S. Phase 3 trial to meet its primary efficacy endpoints. In the TG-C 15302 knee osteoarthritis study, patients receiving TG-C showed pain reduction and improved joint function, but the treatment did not achieve statistically significant differences from placebo on the Visual Analog Scale for pain or the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Kolon TissueGene attributed the result to a larger-than-expected placebo effect. Noh is expected to support further TG-C development through a separate consulting agreement. The company is analyzing additional data and plans to combine results from a second U.S. Phase 3 trial before discussing its development and regulatory strategy with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Jeon will oversee follow-up clinical analysis and commercialization preparations.