Xenofocus Registers Divisional Patent for Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment

Enzyme production specialist Genofocus is strengthening its patent rights related to the development of SOD (superoxide dismutase) new drugs in collaboration with its microbiome new drug development subsidiary, Biomlogics.

Genofocus announced on the 7th that it has additionally secured domestic patents for the antioxidant enzyme SOD as a treatment for dry eye syndrome.

Last October, the company proved the therapeutic effect of SOD on dry eye syndrome and registered a domestic patent for it. This time, it registered a divisional patent application based on the original application mentioned above.

A divisional application is filed separately when two or more inventions are included in a patent registration. It is mainly used as a means to subdivide technology and secure multiple patent rights. It is also widely used as a strategy to flexibly utilize intellectual property rights according to circumstances in preparation for technology transfer and disputes.

SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that regulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the highest level. It is produced in various cells in the human body and plays an important role in diseases and anti-aging. When SOD decreases due to aging or certain environmental factors, chronic inflammation and diseases occur. Accordingly, countries around the world recognize the importance of SOD and are conducting research and development related to anti-inflammatory and anti-aging by utilizing SOD’s ability to regulate reactive oxygen species.

The SOD developed by Genofocus exhibits excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It has proven its safety for human use through the US GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) certification.

The company has also secured mass production technology for commercialization. Based on these foundational technologies, efficacy evaluations were conducted to confirm the potential for developing SOD pharmaceuticals. In efficacy evaluations for major chronic diseases caused by reactive oxygen species, SOD demonstrated equal or superior efficacy compared to existing treatments in multiple indications. Through this, patent rights for various treatments such as inflammatory bowel disease, macular degeneration, and mucositis were secured.

Kim Euijung, CEO of Genofocus, said, "To develop SOD-based treatments for chronic diseases, it is very important to prove that Genofocus’s SOD is effective for chronic diseases and to build a patent portfolio. We will do our best to accelerate drug development by leveraging the firmly established patent barriers to attract investment and facilitate technology transfer."