Kolon Life Science Registers Domestic Patent for TG-C "Cell Therapy Efficacy Evaluation Method"

Registered in Eight Countries
Establishing Analytical Standards for Key TG-C Components

Kolon Life Science announced on September 29 that a patent for the “method of evaluating the efficacy of cell therapy products” related to TG-C, a cell and gene therapy for osteoarthritis currently being developed by its affiliate Kolon TissueGene (formerly Invossa), has been approved for registration in Korea.

Kolon Life Science Building, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Kolon Life Science

This patent was jointly filed by Kolon Life Science and Kolon TissueGene. Following approvals in the United States, Japan, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada, the decision for registration in Korea further expands the scope of intellectual property protection for TG-C.

TG-C is a cell and gene therapy composed of two components. It is administered by mixing allogeneic cartilage-derived chondrocytes (Component 1) and genetically engineered cells introduced with irradiated “TGF-β1” (a gene that promotes anti-inflammatory effects and cartilage component production, Component 2) in a 3:1 ratio and injecting the mixture into the knee joint cavity. This method helps suppress joint inflammation, thereby alleviating pain and contributing to the improvement of joint function and structure.

The core of the patent lies in establishing quantitative standards for evaluating the efficacy and quality of TG-C. The expression levels of TGF-β1 secreted from the genetically engineered cells in Component 2 and “TSP-1” (a multifunctional protein involved in maintaining immune homeostasis) produced by the chondrocytes in Component 1 serve as key efficacy evaluation indicators. If these components are expressed above a certain threshold, it can be confirmed that the therapeutic effects of the product are consistently maintained.

Based on this patent, TG-C will further strengthen its scientific foundation and objective evaluation criteria. This is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the global market and solidify its technological position.

Kim Sunjin, CEO of Kolon Life Science, stated, “This domestic patent registration will serve as an important foundation for objectively verifying the efficacy of TG-C,” adding, “As we accelerate preparations for global clinical trials and regulatory approvals, we will do our utmost to provide better treatment alternatives for patients.”