[Click eStock] "IntronBio, Clinical Expectations for Super Bacteria Treatment"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] KB Securities analyzed on the 29th that Intronbio is expected to receive approval for the clinical trial plan (IND) for its superbug treatment drug in the United States in the second half of this year. No investment opinion or target price was provided.

Intronbio is a bio new drug development company specializing in bacteriophage and endolysin-based therapies. It was listed on KOSDAQ in 2011 through the technology evaluation system. Based on the N-Rephasin platform, which collectively refers to technologies related to bacteriophages and endolysins, the company operates bio new drug development, molecular diagnostics, and animal antibiotic alternatives businesses.

Last year, it recorded sales of 45.4 billion KRW and an operating profit of 15.7 billion KRW. Sales increased by 444.3% compared to the previous year, and operating profit turned positive. This significant performance growth was driven by strong sales of COVID-19 diagnostic kits.

KB Securities pointed out that the key aspect to watch in Intronbio this year is the expansion of indications for the superbug treatment drug ‘SAL200’. Researcher Im Guk from KB Securities said, "The indication expansion clinical trial for the superbug treatment drug ‘SAL200’, which was licensed out to Roivant, is underway. Roivant is independently expanding indications to include bacteremia and endocarditis and conducting clinical trials. A Pre-IND meeting is expected within the first half of the year, and the IND application for phase 2 clinical trials to the FDA is anticipated as early as the second half."

Additionally, expansion of the existing cash cow business is also expected. He emphasized, "Expansion of the cash cow business is anticipated. Compared to the previous year, the export network and sales capabilities have been strengthened, leading to expected growth in the diagnostics and animal antibiotic alternative businesses. The production capacity for animal antibiotic alternatives is estimated to have reached its maximum level at around 5 to 6 billion KRW annually."

He also stated, "We have secured the improved endolysin new drug substance GNA200 targeting gram-negative bacteria and completed the US patent application. Attention is focused on conducting animal experiments within this year and the potential for future licensing out." He added, "We are developing Phagirus technology targeting viruses, which may be applied to influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines."

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