Genomic Data and AI-Based Prediction of Immunogenicity and Binding for Optimal Antigen Discovery
Applicable to Hepatitis C and AIDS... Focused on Response
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Theragen Bio announced on the 9th that it has obtained a patent for an epitope prediction algorithm, a core technology for developing vaccines against COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases.
An official stated, "The patent is for a ‘Method and Computer Program for Epitope Prediction for Virus Treatment’," and introduced it as "an artificial intelligence (AI) technology that predicts nucleotide sequence regions optimized for immune formation in the body by analyzing immunogenicity and binding affinity based on viral genome data."
The technology predicts the binding affinity between epitopes derived from viral peptide (amino acid chain) sequences and the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) allele sequences that determine the immunogenicity and tissue compatibility of the subject. Based on this, it infers the immune response induced after binding and generates optimal viral antigen information.
A Theragen Bio representative explained, "With this patented technology, vaccine models for various viruses can be designed," and added, "We are reviewing commercialization through the use of our own genome analysis technology and partnerships with domestic and international contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs)."
They also stated, "It can be applied to viruses such as coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), MERS, hepatitis C virus, and HIV (the virus causing AIDS)," and added, "The focus is on responding to newly emerging infectious diseases in the future."
Theragen Bio possesses a viral genome RNA (ribonucleic acid) analysis system using NGS (next-generation sequencing). Through this patent, the company has simultaneously secured its own sequencing capability and AI-based infectious disease vaccine development capability.
The reason global companies have been able to develop viral vaccines in a short period recently is that they possessed both epitope prediction and production technologies simultaneously. Although many companies in Korea have production capabilities, the lack of epitope prediction technology has hindered the speed of development.
Theragen Bio was selected as the lead institution for the first national project related to infectious disease prevention technology development, ‘Advancement of Early Diagnosis Technology for COVID-19,’ and is currently conducting research. They have carried out high-resolution genetic mapping of the COVID-19 causative pathogen and decoding of viral genome sequences from large-scale infected areas.
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