La Paz, Progressing Smoothly in Developing Vaccine Patches such as DNA and mRNA

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Lapas, a specialized company in microneedle patch pharmaceuticals, announced on the 19th that the development of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and bacteria-based vaccine patches is progressing smoothly.

The most advanced vaccine patch currently under development by Lapas is the hepatitis B vaccine patch being jointly researched with the Indian vaccine company Serum Institute (Serum). Since 2017, Lapas has been conducting studies with Serum to confirm the efficacy of microneedle patches loaded with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and inactivated poliovirus (IPV). Although joint research was temporarily halted due to the recent spread of COVID-19 in India, clinical trials are planned to begin promptly once Serum’s vaccine supply normalizes.

Additionally, Lapas is developing a DNA vaccine patch in collaboration with a domestic venture company. DNA vaccines are a cutting-edge technology that induces immunity against viruses by delivering plasmid vectors expressing various viral antigen proteins into human cells. The DNA vaccine patch directly delivers the DNA vaccine between the epidermis and dermis layers, where macrophages and dendritic cells involved in immune response are abundantly distributed, allowing immune effects with a small dose.

Moreover, Lapas is conducting joint research and development of mRNA vaccine patches with domestic researchers and multinational pharmaceutical companies. Efficacy is expected to be confirmed soon through animal testing.

Furthermore, Lapas is independently developing bacteria-based vaccine patches. Recently, focusing on the mechanism of activating immune cells, they are advancing this into a platform vaccine capable of responding to various mutant viruses. In September, they filed a domestic patent for ‘rMpg-RBD,’ which involves inserting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) gene of the COVID-19 virus, serving as an antigen, into a Mycobacterium strain.

A Lapas representative stated, “Due to the advantages of microneedles, which are easier to distribute and allow self-administration compared to injectable formulations, many companies and institutions have proposed joint research,” and added, “We aim to become the global number one company developing and producing various patch-type pharmaceuticals, including vaccine patches currently under development and patch therapeutics.”

He continued, “To this end, next year we plan to begin construction of a factory in Korea equipped with U.S. current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, and we are currently scouting for factory sites,” adding, “We will establish a world-class microneedle pharmaceutical mass production system, and funding has already been secured.”

In August, Lapas raised 30 billion KRW through convertible bond issuance. Of this, 22 billion KRW will be used for establishing the new factory, and the remaining 8 billion KRW will be allocated for clinical trials, research and development, and operational expenses.

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