Jeonnam National University announced on June 4 that its College of Medicine research team has developed a new therapeutic technology that simultaneously addresses inflammation and oxidative stress, which are the root causes of gout.
The research team led by Professor Park Inkyu of Jeonnam National University College of Medicine, in collaboration with Professor Sun Jonggeun and Dr. Kim Hyeonggeun of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Jeonnam National University Hospital, jointly developed a nanoenzyme-based therapeutic technology that presents the possibility of fundamental treatment for gouty arthritis.
The core of this technology is a "dual-function nanoenzyme," which is created by combining the anti-inflammatory substance alpha-lipoic acid (α-Lipoic Acid) with cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles simultaneously suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS)?a major cause of gout?and inflammatory pathways.
In particular, these nanoparticles have a hollow structure, allowing them to release the drug precisely at sites with severe inflammation. This design helps reduce unnecessary side effects and delivers the therapeutic effect only where it is needed, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.
Experimental results showed that this technology suppressed a greater amount of cytokines (inflammatory mediators) compared to conventional components, and also regulated the function of immune cells (macrophages) that cause inflammation, thereby reducing inflammation at its source.
Additionally, in experimental mice induced with gout, joint swelling, inflammation, and oxidative stress were significantly reduced, and imaging equipment confirmed that the drug accurately reached the inflamed area.
Professor Park Inkyu stated, "This technology has great potential for application not only to gout, but also to various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and neuroinflammatory disorders. We are also researching its combination with microneedle patch technology for painless drug delivery, and are pursuing commercialization through the faculty startup company DR Cure Co., Ltd."
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