Zemvax's 'GV1001' Patent Application for COVID-19 Treatment

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] GemVax & Kael announced on the 30th that it has filed a patent related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) for ‘GV1001®’.

GemVax already holds ▲registered patents related to anti-inflammatory effects ▲registered patents related to sepsis prevention ▲published patents related to antiviral effects concerning GV1001’s respiratory infection antiviral efficacy.

GV1001 is a telomerase-derived peptide that functions to maintain the length of telomeres located at the ends of human chromosomes, and it has various functions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cell protection, anti-aging, and stem cell activation effects.

A company representative stated, "Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 attach to and penetrate the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, causing upper respiratory infection symptoms. In healthy individuals, this stage is usually passed like a common cold, but if it worsens, a severe inflammatory response occurs. The inflammation dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow, concentrating blood cells necessary for the inflammatory response such as neutrophils, and secreting inflammatory mediators like cytokines."

He continued, "However, if this inflammatory response becomes excessively severe, the overproduction of cytokines can lead to sepsis, hypotension, or various organ failures, which can result in death. This condition is called a cytokine storm, and it is known to occur more frequently in young people."

Currently, treatments for such severe inflammation include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immunosuppressants, and immune enhancers. However, the company explains that these treatments are difficult because their effects are temporary or only alleviate symptoms, and they often cause side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions and immune system deterioration.

GemVax explains that previous preclinical studies have already proven that GV1001 regulates various inflammatory mediators including cytokines in severe inflammation, thereby preventing cytokine storms.

A GemVax representative said, “We have conducted various domestic and international studies on anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects and already hold sufficient related papers and patents. This recent patent filing aims to further strengthen existing patents in the antiviral field, which has great development potential due to the recent spread of COVID-19 infection.”