(From left) Kim Young-kwan, CEO of Polaris AI Pharma, and Baek Jong-seop, CEO of Vinature Bio Lab, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement. Provided by Polaris AI Pharma.
On the 14th, Polaris AI Pharma and Vinature Bio Lab announced their collaboration for the research, development, and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) utilizing high-temperature melt extrusion-long-acting drug delivery system (HME-DDS) technology.
This collaboration aims to combine Polaris AI Pharma's R&D capabilities and GMP manufacturing commercialization experience with Vinature Bio Lab's HME-related R&D expertise and facilities to strengthen the global competitiveness of APIs and develop intellectual property rights.
Founded in 2020, Vinature Bio Lab is a leading natural product-based biotechnology company that holds core proprietary technology for HME-DDS. Recently, it was recognized for its expertise by being selected for the Deep Tech TIPS program, part of the government's 'Super-gap Startup 1000+ Project.'
After securing investment from Douzone Bizon last October, Vinature Bio Lab plans to establish a customized natural product new formulation manufacturing platform for chronic diseases through Deep Tech TIPS, aiming at 'customized multi-target natural product new formulation development and manufacturing.'
The HME-DDS technology effectively enhances the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs and delivers drugs stably, improving bioavailability. Compared to conventional administration methods, it can increase absorption rates by up to 50 times.
Additionally, from a production perspective, it simplifies processes and enables continuous manufacturing, leading to improved quality, reduced manufacturing time, and cost savings, thereby maximizing profits. This is why global pharmaceutical companies such as Merck, AbbVie, and Novartis are commercializing pharmaceuticals using HME technology.
Moreover, API formulations applying HME-DDS technology can secure exclusive new crystalline forms and improved drug patents, allowing for sustained growth in the highly competitive API market. While general generics see a price reduction of up to 54% after listing, improved drugs maintain 70% of their price for three years and can be extended for up to 3 to 8 years, ensuring high profitability.
Kim Young-kwan, CEO of Polaris AI Pharma, stated, "Through this agreement, we will commercialize HME technology to establish a foundation for expanding into profitable improved drugs and contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) businesses. At the group level, we will also promote rapid API R&D combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to maximize profitability of existing businesses and enhance corporate value."
Meanwhile, Polaris AI Pharma was incorporated into the Polaris Office Group in March last year and changed its name to Polaris AI Pharma to reflect its future-oriented business intentions. Currently, it plans to increase R&D efficiency by integrating AI technology into the API development process, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate generic drug development.
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