RF Bio, Genetic Sequencing Analysis of Honey-Derived Botulinum Strain..."Scientific Validation of Proprietary Strain"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] RF Bio, a subsidiary of RF Tech, has completed the nucleotide sequence analysis of the botulinum strains isolated and identified from honey for the first time in the world, proving that it possesses “proprietary strains.” Through this nucleotide sequence analysis, it was scientifically demonstrated that RF Bio’s botulinum strains are phylogenetically completely distinct proprietary strains compared to all previously disclosed botulinum strains with full nucleotide sequences.

In June, RF Bio successfully isolated and identified two new Clostridium botulinum type A1 strains, ‘RFT0102’ and ‘RFT0808,’ from honey obtained in the Central Asia region, and received national management numbers for them. Amid ongoing disputes among domestic toxin companies regarding the origin of strains, RF Bio has succeeded in securing proprietary strains.

RF Bio confirmed through whole genome sequencing analysis conducted by a genome analysis specialist institution that its botulinum strains are completely distinct proprietary strains, different not only from 'Hall A Hyper' and 'ATCC 3502' but also from all other botulinum strains published to date. Hall A Hyper is known to be used by Allergan, Medytox, and Daewoong Pharmaceutical, while ATCC 3502 is used by Merz and Zetema.

An RF Bio official stated, “The whole genome sequencing results showed that our honey-derived strains RFT0102 and RFT0808 recorded similarities of 65.11% and 94.03%, respectively, when compared to Hall A Hyper, and 66.63% and 95.67%, respectively, when compared to ATCC 3502. This confirms that these strains are phylogenetically completely different from all botulinum strains whose full nucleotide sequences have been disclosed so far.”

He added, “Compared to the strains currently involved in disputes, RFT0102 has approximately 530,000 more base pairs, and RFT0808 has about 130,000 more. Among these, RFT0102 carries the toxin gene in the form of a ‘single-stranded plasmid,’ which is a completely new form of type A1 strain that has not been previously reported.”

By scientifically proving that it possesses proprietary strains through this nucleotide sequence analysis, RF Bio plans to accelerate the development of toxin pharmaceuticals with global competitiveness. To this end, it plans to begin establishing a botulinum toxin production facility that meets global standards including Korea KGMP, US cGMP, and European GMP by the first quarter of next year.

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