KainosMed and MDmune Sign Joint Research and License Agreement... Developing "FAF1 mRNA"-Loaded Biodrone Anticancer Drug

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] KainosMed is embarking on the development of a novel anticancer drug loaded with 'FAF1 mRNA and protein' through a joint research and license agreement with MDmune, a next-generation drug delivery system platform developer.

KainosMed announced on the 28th that it has signed a license and joint research development agreement with MDmune regarding patents and know-how related to cell-derived vesicles (CDV)-based BioDrone® technology.

KainosMed recently demonstrated that loading FAF1 onto exosomes and delivering them to cancer cells and tumor tissues in mice resulted in a reduction in tumor size across various types of tumors. The proof of concept in animal experiments has been completed. FAF1 is a powerful tumor suppressor that inhibits cancer cell division, induces cell death, and suppresses cancer metastasis. KainosMed explained that there is high clinical relevance as data shows reduced expression of FAF1 in tissues from various cancer patients.

MDmune holds foundational patent technology and know-how related to cell-derived vesicles (CDV)-based BioDrone® technology, which is produced by extruding various human-derived cells.

CDV is a type of extracellular vesicle with physical and chemical properties similar to exosomes, which serve as intercellular communication mediators. It is a novel drug delivery system capable of carrying various genetic materials, including low molecular weight compounds. Additionally, MDmune’s core extrusion process technology enables mass production in a short time and allows the use of various source cells.

Through this joint research and license agreement with MDmune, KainosMed plans to establish a precision induction system where FAF1 is not overexpressed under normal conditions but can be switched on to produce large amounts when needed. To prevent FAF1 from being overexpressed before delivery to target cells, the strategy is to deliver it in mRNA form to the target cells.

Lee Gisub, CEO of KainosMed, said, “With this agreement, the 'FAF1 mRNA'-based anticancer agent developed by KainosMed will attack cancer cells through MDmune’s next-generation drug delivery system. We expect that the combination of both companies’ technologies will enable the development of anticancer drugs with groundbreaking efficacy.”

Bae Shinkyu, CEO of MDmune, stated, “We are actively promoting the development of mRNA therapeutics based on the BioDrone platform to develop innovative treatments for intractable diseases. Through this agreement with innovative new drug developer KainosMed, we hope to bring new hope to cancer patients.”