GNTPharma Files US and International Patents for Respiratory Disease New Drug

Next-Generation Pain and Inflammation Treatment 'Plusalazine'

Gwak Byung-ju, CEO of GNT Pharma (Photo by GNT Pharma)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] GNT Pharma announced on the 29th that it has completed the US and international patent (PCT) applications for 'Flusalazine,' a next-generation inflammation and pain treatment drug under development, for new indications in respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

The PCT international application system is based on an international treaty designed to simplify overseas patent applications. A single international application has the effect of filing in 156 countries individually.

Flusalazine is a multi-target new drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and pain. It is being developed as a treatment for inflammatory digestive diseases such as gastritis, enteritis, pancreatitis, and diabetic pain. The company stated, “Flusalazine has demonstrated excellent efficacy not only in inflammatory and pain diseases but also in COPD and asthma models, leading to the filing of US and PCT patents.”

Dr. Sojung Won's research team confirmed in preclinical trials of Flusalazine that fatal lung tissue damage, necrosis, and inflammation observed in COPD and asthma animal models were significantly reduced by oral administration of Flusalazine. Even when Flusalazine was administered after COPD had considerably progressed, it showed superior therapeutic effects compared to existing treatments such as corticosteroids.

GNT Pharma's inflammation and pain treatment 'Flusalazine' (Photo by GNT Pharma)

COPD is an intractable disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchi and lung parenchyma caused by cigarette smoke, occupational exposure to harmful gases, lung infections, etc., leading to airway narrowing and lung destruction. According to the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), there are approximately 200 million COPD patients worldwide, with about 3.2 million deaths annually. The number of asthma patients also reaches approximately 262 million. Research has also shown that COPD patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Currently, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators such as beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics are used for symptoms like cough and breathing difficulties, but these only alleviate symptoms, making the development of fundamental new drugs urgent.

Byungjoo Kwak, CEO of GNT Pharma (adjunct professor at Yonsei University Department of Life Sciences), said, “We have successfully completed preclinical trials to develop Flusalazine as a treatment for respiratory diseases affecting more than 400 million people worldwide and have filed patents. We plan to apply for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Phase 1 clinical trials in the first half of next year and proceed with clinical trials promptly.”