Helixmith Obtains Domestic Patent for 'VM507' with Enhanced Safety

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Helixmith announced on the 18th that it has obtained a domestic patent for the stability improvement of the cMet activating antibody ‘VM507’.

Through antibody structure optimization of VM507, an antibody with excellent productivity and biological activity, as well as improved antibody stability and immunogenicity, was recognized. Utilizing this patent is expected to reduce production costs, enhance in vivo stability, and decrease side effects in the development of cMet antibodies.

VM507 is a humanized antibody that can activate cMet, the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). It can induce activities similar to the HGF protein, such as preventing cell apoptosis and promoting angiogenesis. It can be delivered to the human body via intravenous or local injection, is safe without immune rejection reactions, and has a much longer in vivo half-life compared to the HGF protein, making drug development easier.

VM507 has demonstrated efficacy in promoting the recovery and proliferation of damaged cells and tissues in various diseases. In particular, through collaborative research with Seoul Boramae Hospital, therapeutic effects such as inflammation suppression, prevention of cell apoptosis, and fibrosis improvement were proven in various kidney disease models including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Helixmith plans to start clinical trials targeting renal failure and kidney diseases with VM507 next year.

Yoo Seungshin, CEO of Helixmith, said, “We are striving to enter clinical trials for VM507 based on its multifaceted efficacy in kidney diseases,” and added, “VM507 is also expected to be used in the development of treatments for various ischemic diseases including stroke, foot ulcers, retinal neovascularization disorders, as well as degenerative neurological diseases.”

He continued, “As a kind of platform drug that can be used for various diseases, new indications are continuously being added, so its blockbuster potential is very high.”