The E&M "Affiliate Luka Increases Sales of 'Respiratory Virus Preventive' Using Proprietary LNP Technology"

THE E&M announced on the 20th that its affiliate, LUCA AI Cell (hereinafter LUCA), is experiencing strong sales of its respiratory virus prevention products.

LUCA V-Defense Nasal Spray forms a physical protective barrier on the nasal mucosa, the infection route of respiratory diseases, to prevent infection. According to the company, sales of this product have increased by more than 200% compared to the previous quarter.

A company representative explained, “With the simultaneous outbreak of influenza, COVID-19, and Mycoplasma pneumonia recently, the demand for preventive products is growing day by day.”

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of influenza patients nationwide in the second week of this month reached 61.3 per 1,000 outpatients, the highest level in the past five years (2019?2023). Additionally, sample surveillance results showed that the number of Mycoplasma pneumonia patients tripled in the past month, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases increased more than sixfold during the same period.

As a result, pediatric clinics have been overwhelmed, with parents lining up from around 3 a.m. in what has become a pediatric crisis. In particular, Mycoplasma pneumonia mainly infects children with weak immune systems, and there is currently no preventive vaccine available.

LUCA’s nasal spray, which utilizes LNP (Lipid Nanoparticle) technology, demonstrated a 99.7% antiviral effect within one minute in COVID-19 virus antimicrobial tests conducted overseas. The same antiviral effect is expected for various respiratory diseases, and the product has proven its safety by obtaining certifications from the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), the U.S. FDA, and the European CE.

In addition, LUCA has completed the full lineup of bio products for next pandemic preparedness, covering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In November, LUCA received approval from the MFDS for both COVID-19 self-test kits and professional-use kits.

A company representative said, “Concerns about a resurgence have increased as COVID-19 variant viruses with strong immune evasion have become dominant strains in countries such as Thailand. Accordingly, sales of LUCA’s COVID-19 diagnostic kits have also surged.”

They added, “LUCA’s antiviral treatment using peptides has been selected for the U.S. NIAID’s (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) AViDD (Antiviral Drug Discovery) program and is currently preparing for FDA registration.”