Boryeong and Gachon University Collaborate on Joint R&D of 'PIP3 Liposome-Based Drug Delivery System'

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Boryung announced on the 20th that it has signed a joint research and development agreement with Gachon University Lee Gil-yeo Cancer and Diabetes Research Institute to develop a specific drug delivery system based on PIP3 liposome technology targeting tumor-associated macrophages.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are immune cells distributed in the tumor microenvironment that promote tumor growth and suppress anti-tumor immune responses due to their immunosuppressive effects. Boryung explained that since blocking the immunosuppressive effects of TAM can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment, TAM-targeted cancer therapies have recently emerged as promising anti-cancer treatments.

Researchers at Gachon University recently discovered that a substance called 'PIP3' specifically binds to a TAM surface receptor called 'CD14' and elucidated this mechanism, publishing their findings in the 2022 international journal Cell Death & Differentiation. Accordingly, Boryung decided to join forces with Gachon University to develop drug delivery systems loading various anticancer agents into liposomes made using PIP3. The Lee Gil-yeo Cancer and Diabetes Research Institute at Gachon University possesses TAM-specific drug delivery system (DDS) technology utilizing PIP3.

Professor Byung-chul Oh, who is leading the research, stated, "Through the development of a novel drug delivery system based on PIP3 liposomes targeting tumor-associated macrophages, we expect to maximize the efficacy of anticancer treatments for metastatic and recurrent cancers that show resistance to existing anticancer drugs."

Bong-seok Kim, head of Boryung's New Drug Research Center, said, "We will do our best to establish new treatment options for metastatic and recurrent cancers resistant to existing anticancer drugs through close cooperation between the two companies."