Kwangdong Pharmaceutical and Quadmedison Sign Business Agreement... Joint Development of 'Microneedle for Obesity Treatment'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Kwangdong Pharmaceutical announced on the 6th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the medical microneedle platform company 'Quadmedicine' and will diversify its pipeline through strategic investment.

This agreement was signed for the purpose of collaborating on the development of a microneedle patch for obesity treatment drugs. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical will jointly develop the formulation and is granted the first right of refusal for exclusive commercialization rights. Kwangdong Pharmaceutical made a strategic investment of 2 billion KRW in Quadmedicine, and milestones will be negotiated based on detailed performance.

Microneedles are a next-generation drug delivery system (DDS) that uses a patch coated with micro-needles about one-third the thickness of a hair, which is attached to the skin to absorb effective drug components into the body. Compared to injections, it causes less pain, and it can bypass the liver metabolism process of oral drugs, allowing faster absorption of active ingredients and higher bioavailability. It is also relatively easy to store and distribute, making it widely developed for vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, synthetic drugs, and cosmetics.

Quadmedicine is conducting various joint developments and clinical trials with domestic and international pharmaceutical and bio companies based on its core technologies such as ‘multi-coated microneedles’ and ‘immediate detachment microneedles,’ which are evaluated as advanced in the industry. Additionally, with support from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Life Science Enterprise, and the Light Fund funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it is developing a patch-type pentavalent (DTwP-HepB-Hib) vaccine.

A Kwangdong Pharmaceutical official said, “Through cooperation with Quadmedicine, we plan to further diversify our obesity treatment portfolio,” adding, “We will continue to actively secure new drug candidates and advanced technologies through broad open innovation.” A representative from Quadmedicine explained, “We aim to strengthen Kwangdong Pharmaceutical’s portfolio with our advanced technology,” and “Our goal is to develop the world’s first approved microneedle drug to enhance ease of use and patient compliance.”