I.T.Chem's Low-Molecular Peptide Synthesis Technology Draws Attention...Expanding Potential for Oral Diabetes and Obesity Therapies

Advanced precision chemical materials company I.T.Chem announced on the 9th that its production capabilities based on low-molecular peptide synthesis technology are drawing attention in the industry.

This technology serves as a core foundation for oral peptide therapeutics used as treatments for diabetes and obesity, and it was also addressed as a key agenda item at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference held last month. Global pharmaceutical companies commonly emphasized both the full-fledged commercialization and the potential expansion of oral peptide therapeutics. Unlike existing GLP-1 injectable therapies, oral formulations offer greater convenience of administration and significantly improve patient accessibility.

The key to oral peptide therapeutics lies in molecular design and process technology. Because the drug must pass through the environment of gastric acid and digestive enzymes and then be absorbed in the intestine, larger molecular weight or more complex structures increase the likelihood of reduced degradation or absorption in the body. For this reason, technological capability that can maintain low-molecular-level properties while realizing the peptide structure, thereby securing both absorption rate and stability, is regarded as the core competitive edge.

I.T.Chem is evaluated as being well positioned to secure competitiveness in the raw material supply chain for oral peptide therapeutics, based on its process capabilities grounded in precision organic synthesis, its understanding of peptide structures, and its facility infrastructure designed to meet the quality standards of global pharmaceutical companies. The company has accumulated experience in process development and mass production in the field of low-molecular chemical synthetic drug substances over a long period, and over the past seven years it has expanded its technological domain into the synthesis of low-molecular peptide structures through collaboration with numerous global clients.

Currently, I.T.Chem is expanding its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Goesan-gun, North Chungcheong Province. The plant is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027 as a production infrastructure that encompasses the entire spectrum of oral low-molecular peptide therapeutics. The company plans to commence full-scale raw material production immediately upon completion.

A representative of I.T.Chem said, "As many global pharmaceutical companies have recently been emphasizing the commercialization of oral peptide therapeutics, the importance of related raw materials is also growing rapidly," adding, "Although it is difficult at this stage to disclose specific research details, clients, or pipelines, we plan to use this plant to expand our business into the field of oral peptide therapeutics as well."