Enzychem Selected as Finalist for NASA Space Radiation Therapy Research Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Engchem Life Sciences' 'EC-18' has been finally selected as a research project for space radiation therapeutics by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This marks the visible progress of the world's first joint development of a space radiation therapeutic with NASA.

Engchem Life Sciences announced on the 26th that it was selected as one of the final eight teams out of 66 teams that applied for NASA's space radiation defense and therapeutic development project. Engchem proposed a study titled "Effects of Low-Dose Radiation and Radiation Countermeasures on Salmonella Infection in a 3D Biomimetic Human Tissue Model for Spaceflight Analog" together with the Arizona State University (ASU) team. This EC-18 study uses a 3D model to investigate the effects of low-dose radiation and microgravity on the pathogenicity enhancement of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella, as well as the efficacy of EC-18 as a protective agent against intestinal tissue damage and inflammation caused by space radiation and Salmonella.

Engchem also presented research results last October at the American Radiation Society, showing that after investigating lethal doses of radiation (conditions under which 70% of subjects die within 30 days), administration of the new drug substance 'EC-18' at various doses 24 hours post-exposure significantly improved survival rates. They have also filed a global patent for a composition for the prevention or treatment of acute radiation syndrome.

Son Ki-young, Chairman of Engchem Life Sciences, stated, "Being finally selected as a NASA space radiation therapeutic research project, we expect EC-18 to become the world's first space radiation therapeutic."

Engchem's immunomodulator EC-18 is a candidate therapeutic that simultaneously exhibits antiviral effects by inhibiting the proliferation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and anti-inflammatory effects by preventing the excessive immune response known as a cytokine storm. Recruitment for the domestic Phase 2 clinical trial of the COVID-19 therapeutic has also been completed. Once the clinical data analysis is finished, an application for emergency use authorization or conditional approval will be promptly submitted to the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

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