Hanall Biopharma Collaborates with US Interon on Autism Spectrum New Drug Development

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] HanAll Biopharma announced on the 10th that it will invest in Interon, a Boston-based US biotech company developing new drug candidates for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, and engage in strategic cooperation.

Starting with this investment, the two companies plan to seek step-by-step cooperation opportunities such as discovering new substances and joint development using Interon's platform.

Interon is an early-stage biotech company developing treatments that alleviate symptoms in children with severe autism spectrum disorder by regulating the neuroimmune system in the body. It was founded in 2020 by researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Currently, through its proprietary platform, it is developing treatments for autism spectrum disorder and depression in the field of neuroimmunology.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in emotional bonding and reciprocal relationships with others. Many patients experience challenges in social life and interpersonal relationships due to underdeveloped verbal and nonverbal communication skills relative to their developmental level. The exact cause of onset is not yet known.

Interon's new drug candidate uses a novel approach that alleviates symptoms by regulating the signaling pathways between the brain and the immune system. Immune molecules produced in tissues surrounding the brain are known to affect certain brain functions such as anxiety and reduced sociability when interacting with the brain. HanAll Biopharma explained that Interon's candidate substance is expected to help increase sociability and reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with autism spectrum disorder by regulating the activity of immune molecules expressed in the brain.

Seungwon Jung, CEO of HanAll Biopharma, said, "We look forward to various collaborations such as new drug research and development and discovery of new substances with Interon through this investment." Jaspol Singh, CEO of Interon, said, "HanAll's R&D experience and expertise will help accelerate Interon's development."