NKMAX, Korea University Medical School Research Team Begin Emergency Clinical Trials for COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] The research team led by Professor Kyungmi Lee of Korea University College of Medicine announced on the 26th that they will begin an emergency clinical trial (approval for therapeutic use) of NKMAX's 'SuperNK' immune cell therapy for 'COVID-19'.

'SuperNK' is an immune cell therapy based on NK cells developed by NKMAX, a drug that maximizes the attack power against viruses and abnormal cells. Professor Kyungmi Lee of Korea University College of Medicine stated, "A recent Chinese research paper conducted on COVID-19 infected patients confirmed that NK cells were significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals, and the expression of the receptor (NKG2A) that suppresses NK cell activity was found to be high."

She added, "According to this research paper, it is important to prevent the loss of immune cells and improve the immune response of NK cells in the early stages of infection," and "It is expected that increasing the activity of NK cells in patients will result in meaningful therapeutic effects." She further stated, "Since 'SuperNK,' which has confirmed the safety required for emergency clinical trials, is judged to be the optimal drug, we are preparing this clinical trial together."

Kim Yongman, head of the NKMAX research institute, explained, "NK cells are multifunctional cells that not only recognize and attack abnormal cells on their own but also regulate the functions of other immune cells," and added, "'SuperNK' is expected to produce effective results in the treatment of various viruses, including COVID-19." He continued, "If the therapeutic effect in COVID-19 is confirmed through the emergency clinical trial by the Korea University College of Medicine research team, it will secure a pipeline extending beyond cancer treatment to viral therapies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.