Helixmith Obtains Japanese Patent for 'HX109,' a Substance for Prevention and Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Helixmith announced on the 8th that it has obtained a patent in Japan for ‘HX109,’ a candidate substance for the prevention and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the diseases with significant unmet medical needs. The currently used drugs are limited and have many side effects.

HX109 is a plant-based therapeutic developed by Helixmith’s immunomodulation research team. In 2018, the research team published the inhibitory effect of HX109 on prostatic hyperplasia in animal models in the international journal Nutrients. In 2020, they revealed in Heliyon that HX109 can regulate the interaction between macrophages and prostate epithelial cells to suppress prostate proliferation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia refers to the abnormal enlargement of prostate cells. When the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra, causing difficulty in urination and leading to various urinary disorders.

It shows a high prevalence of over 50% in men aged 50 and older. Among elderly men, it is one of the major factors that reduce quality of life. According to analysis data from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the global market size for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 8%, reaching approximately $4.5 billion (5 trillion KRW) by 2024.

Yoo Seung-shin, CEO of Helixmith, said, "The current market size is already huge, but with the increase in the elderly population, the market is expected to grow even larger," adding, "We plan to develop HX109 as a high value-added individually approved product and as a prescription drug."

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