NaiVec Registers Patent for Senescent Cell Removal Technology in China

"Establishing Barriers to Entry for Anti-Aging Reversal Treatments"

Peptide fusion bio-specialist company Nivek announced on the 15th that it has developed the world’s first indicator substance-derived peptide ‘GRP 78’ for selecting aged stem cells and has registered a patent in China.

The technology for selecting senescent cells using stem cells as a model is not only essential for the development of cell therapies but also presents a new paradigm for reversing aging by removing senescent cells, demonstrating great utility. Nivek has filed an international patent (PCT) for this technology, and with the registration of the Chinese patent as a milestone, patent examinations in various countries around the world are expected to accelerate.

The patent focuses on measuring the expression level of the GRP 78 peptide related to glucose metabolism through proteomic analysis of isolated stem cells to selectively identify only aged stem cells. Applying this patented technology can improve the efficiency of cell therapy development by selecting and removing aged stem cells. It also enables treatment of various degenerative diseases caused by aging.

The GRP 78 peptide effectively identifies stem cells whose functions have declined due to aging. According to the company, the GRP 78 peptide provides a clue to understanding the mechanism of cellular aging and technologies to suppress or reverse it, and it can be utilized in the treatment of various degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, dementia, and sarcopenia.

A Nivek representative stated, “This patent is significant not only for the development of cell therapies through the selection of senescent cells but also for proposing a new method of reversing aging by removing only the senescent cells selected by the patented technology,” adding, “Nivek has developed an aging reversal peptide technology that converts aged cells into young cells and has also completed domestic patent applications.”

He continued, “The senescent cells selected through this patented technology can be converted into young cells using the aging reversal peptide, so technological synergy is expected in the future,” emphasizing, “Nivek plans to first apply the aging reversal technology to prevent oral and muscular diseases and intends to expand it to treat degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia.”

Nivek’s aging reversal peptide technology not only restores cellular function by increasing the expression of biomarkers reduced in senescent cells but also goes beyond aging suppression to convert aged cells into young cells.

Nivek developed the aging reversal peptide in collaboration with Seoul National University, Chungbuk National University, and Kyungpook National University. It has filed a patent domestically. To commercialize the aging reversal technology, animal efficacy tests have been completed, and active research and development for clinical entry are underway.