They are taking a commemorative photo after signing a technology transfer contract at GIST. (From left) Jo Jeonghaeng, CEO of ProAppTech; Kwon Inchang, Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at GIST; Lee Kyunghui, Head of Research at ProAppTech. Photo by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] The research team led by Professor Kwon In-chan of the Department of New Materials Engineering at GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, President Kim Ki-seon) announced on the 8th that they have transferred technology to ProAptech Co., Ltd., a company developing sustained-release biopharmaceuticals by researching a bio-better platform for anti-metabolic cancer drugs.
The technology transfer agreement ceremony was held on the 7th at GIST, attended by key stakeholders including Professor Kwon In-chan of GIST, CEO Cho Jeong-haeng of ProAptech, and Research Director Lee Kyung-hee.
Anti-metabolic cancer drugs are next-generation anticancer agents that inhibit substances playing a key role in the energy production pathway of cancer cells, thereby blocking cancer energy metabolism. Since they do not affect normal cells, they are attracting attention for overcoming the side effects of existing anticancer drugs and increasing the cure rate.
Arginine decarboxylase is an enzyme that breaks down arginine, an amino acid essential for cancer cell metabolism, but it has a short half-life in the body. Attempts have been made to increase its half-life through PEGylation technology; however, studies have reported immune response issues and loss of efficacy upon binding.
Professor Kwon In-chan of GIST stated, "The technology developed this time selectively binds albumin, a protein abundantly present in the blood, to a specific site of arginine decarboxylase, significantly increasing the half-life and biological activity in the body. It will greatly contribute to extending the duration of the anti-metabolic cancer drug’s efficacy and maximizing its effect."
CEO Cho Jeong-haeng of ProAptech said, "Through this technology transfer, ProAptech expects to expand its technology platform to include anticancer drugs following the treatments for gout and obesity currently under development, broadening the spectrum of existing technologies and further strengthening competitiveness."
Professor Kwon In-chan of GIST has filed and registered more than 40 domestic and international patents by developing biotherapeutics and related technologies. Notably, he recently transferred five bio-better platform technologies to biopharmaceutical companies for a total technology fee exceeding 2 billion KRW.
Additionally, as CTO of ProAptech Co., Ltd., he has been actively involved in technology development, directly contributing to the commercialization of biotherapeutic technologies, and was recognized with a commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy at the 2021 Intellectual Property Day ceremony.
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