[Public Notice+] Aptabio Obtains Patent Related to Eye Disease Treatment

Extending Drug Efficacy Duration and Reducing Dosage Frequency... Improving Patient Convenience

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Aptabio, a developer of intractable anticancer drugs and diabetic complication treatments, announced on the 9th that it has obtained a domestic patent related to eye disease treatments. The official patent title is "A Composition for Treating Eye Diseases."

This patent covers the eye disease treatment composition technology applied to Aptabio's diabetic retinopathy treatment 'APX-1004' and macular degeneration treatment 'APX-1004F.' It is the result of years of joint research following a license-out (L/O) agreement for the macular degeneration treatment with Samjin Pharmaceutical in 2018. Therefore, both companies are registered as joint patent holders.

Typically, intravitreal injection therapy (IVT) formulations used to treat macular degeneration and retinopathy cause significant pain and fear in patients. Additionally, repeated administration lowers patient compliance and has been reported to cause serious side effects such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, cataracts, and intraocular hemorrhage.

Aptabio's eye disease treatment is evaluated to have improved these drawbacks. By using biodegradable polymers, it eliminates discomfort during administration and extends the dosing interval to six times that of existing IVT formulations (6 months), significantly reducing the number of injections. Aptabio explained, "By enabling the drug to reach the posterior segment of the eye and be continuously released in a consistent amount, we increased bioavailability," adding, "The drug's action time is greatly extended, making it effective for treating eye diseases."

The macular degeneration treatment 'APX-1004F,' which applies this patented technology, is a flagship product based on the 'NOX inhibitor discovery platform.' Aptabio and Samjin Pharmaceutical are preparing to enter clinical phases 1 and 2 for 'APX-1004F' early next year. An Aptabio representative stated, "With the increase in eye disease patients such as retinal damage and macular degeneration due to increased use of electronic devices, this patent can greatly improve patient convenience," and added, "We are currently focusing on developing treatments for macular degeneration and retinopathy caused by diabetic complications using this patented technology, with both treatments aiming to enter clinical trials."

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