Korea-US and Green Cross Collaborate on Rare Disease Treatment Development

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hanmi Pharm announced on the 27th that it has started a joint research project with GC Green Cross to develop an innovative drug to treat lysosomal storage diseases (LSD), a hereditary rare disease. Earlier in February, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for research and development (R&D) cooperation, and have now signed a main contract to jointly carry out the entire development process to create a new drug that overcomes the shortcomings of existing treatments.

LSD, a rare disease, is caused by the lysosome, a cellular organelle responsible for removing damaged cell debris or unnecessary substances, accumulating continuously in the body for unknown reasons, leading to metabolic disorders or even death. It is known that there are over 50 types of metabolic diseases caused by LSD, including mucopolysaccharidosis, with an estimated 400 patients in South Korea.

Currently, treatment mainly involves enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which uses enzymes developed through recombinant DNA technology administered via intravenous injection. As a first-generation treatment, patients must receive intravenous injections lasting several hours once every one to two weeks. The two companies aim to develop a new drug that improves half-life or enhances medication convenience. Kwon Se-chang, CEO of Hanmi Pharm, said, "We will do our best to maximize the capabilities of both companies to develop a differentiated treatment." Heo Eun-cheol, CEO of GC Green Cross, said, "We will continue to cooperate in various forms, focusing on areas with high unmet medical needs."