Helixmith Obtains European Patent for Humanized Antibody Drug Candidate ‘VM507’

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Helixmith announced on the 8th that it has obtained the European patent for the cMet activating antibody ‘VM507’.

VM507 is a humanized antibody that can activate cMet, the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). When administered, it can induce activities similar to the HGF protein, such as preventing cell death and promoting angiogenesis. It can be delivered to the human body via intravenous or local injection. It is safe with no immune rejection response and has a more stable antibody structure in the body compared to the HGF protein, which has a short half-life in the blood.

Based on its activity to promote the recovery and proliferation of damaged cells and tissues, VM507 has demonstrated efficacy in various diseases. Through collaborative research with Boramae Hospital, VM507 proved therapeutic effects such as inflammation suppression, prevention of cell death, and fibrosis improvement in various kidney disease models including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Helixmith has planned to start target clinical trials for renal failure and kidney diseases with VM507 in 2023.

Yoo Seung-shin, CEO of Helixmith, said, "We are striving for the clinical entry of VM507 based on its multifaceted efficacy for kidney diseases," and added, "VM507 is expected to be used for the development of treatments for various ischemic diseases including stroke, foot ulcers, retinal neovascularization disorders, as well as degenerative neurological diseases beyond kidney diseases."

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