[Market Focus] KobioLab Hits Upper Price Limit on News of U.S. Patent for Obesity Treatment Strain

On August 27, KobioLab hit the upper price limit following news that its obesity treatment strain has been granted a patent in the United States.

As of 1:38 p.m. that day, KobioLab shares on the KOSDAQ market had surged by the daily maximum of 29.96% to 6,160 won. The stock opened at 5,850 won and quickly soared to the upper price limit.

KobioLab, a company specializing in microbiome-based drug development, announced that day that its core obesity treatment strain (Akkermansia muciniphila) KBL983 has officially been registered for a patent in the United States. KBL983 is a strain derived from the human microbiome, shown to induce the expression of the metabolic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and increase the activity of brown adipose tissue. Based on these effects, the company is able to develop an oral treatment capable of effectively controlling major metabolic diseases caused by obesity, such as weight management issues, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver disease.

This confirmation of U.S. patent registration follows previously secured patents in China, Japan, Australia, Russia, and Canada, enabling KobioLab to accelerate its commercialization efforts in key global markets.