NaiVec Registers Patent for Peptide Technology Inhibiting Inflammation and Fibrosis

Naivek, a peptide fusion bio-specialized company, announced on the 23rd that it has registered a patent for peptide technology that can prevent and treat cellular fibrosis. With this, Naivek has established a technological barrier for ‘NP-201,’ an inflammation and fibrosis treatment drug with a regenerative peptide mechanism currently under development. This patent registration is expected to give a significant boost to the technology transfer of NP-201, which is being developed as a treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity.

This patent relates to peptides that have preventive and therapeutic effects on fibrosis by isolating and inhibiting ‘TGF-β1 (a protein involved in fibrosis).’ The peptide inhibits the separation of TGF-β1 from a substance called LCC, which binds to ‘integrin (a specific protein)’ on the cell surface, thereby suppressing the downstream signaling that increases fibrosis. It not only inhibits the process in which epithelial cells transform into mesenchymal cells (fibrosis process) but also promotes the reverse process where mesenchymal cells revert to epithelial cells.

NP-201, which applies the patented technology, is a novel drug that innovatively suppresses fibrosis caused by inflammation. In particular, it reduces inflammation and prevents organ damage by blocking the fibrosis process based on regenerative mechanism peptides. While existing treatments focus on blocking the fibrosis process, NP-201 enables fundamental tissue function recovery through tissue regeneration mechanisms. Naivek is expanding the indications of NP-201 to various diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity.

Naivek successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials in Australia for NP-201 as a treatment for pulmonary fibrosis in October last year. In November this year, the indication for NP-201 was expanded to inflammatory bowel disease, and Phase 1b/2a clinical trials were approved in Australia. After confirming safety through Phase 1b trials, Naivek plans to apply for Phase 2 clinical trials with the U.S. FDA.

Naivek is also developing NP-201 as an obesity treatment. NP-201 directly inhibits adipocyte proliferation and fat accumulation, enabling weight loss without muscle loss. It can also reduce side effects such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, which may occur with existing appetite suppressant-centered obesity treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound.

A Naivek representative said, “NP-201, which applies the patented technology, is expected to have superior therapeutic effects compared to the commercialized pulmonary fibrosis treatment ‘Nintedanib.’ It is anticipated that NP-201 can replace currently marketed treatments or be used in combination with existing therapies.”

He added, “This patent registration has proven that NP-201 has a differentiated mechanism that suppresses inflammation in various fibrotic diseases, including the lungs. Since a technological entry barrier has been established, it is expected that technology transfer negotiations with global pharmaceutical companies will accelerate and that Naivek will be in a favorable position during negotiations.”