BioPlus and Procell Therapeutics Collaborate on Next-Generation Botulinum Toxin Development

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] BioPlus (CEO Jeong Hyungyu) announced on the 28th that it has signed a joint development agreement with Procell Therapeutics (CEO Lee Byungkyu), a company specializing in recombinant protein and drug delivery system development, for the joint development of a "next-generation botulinum toxin" and an "oral diabetes and obesity treatment" using bio-better materials of liraglutide.

According to this agreement, the initial goal is to develop a highly stable next-generation light-chain botulinum toxin that combines protein recombination and effective drug delivery system (MTD) technology.

To this end, both companies plan to collaborate on all processes from the development of next-generation botulinum toxin raw materials and formulations to non-clinical, clinical trials, regulatory approval, distribution, and sales. Procell Therapeutics will be responsible for developing core active substances such as light-chain botulinum toxin and drug delivery systems, while BioPlus will handle formulation development, material production, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and sales.

Through this joint development, BioPlus will enhance its capabilities to develop next-generation botulinum toxins with improved resistance, convenience, and thermal stability compared to previously researched botulinum toxins. The strategy is to maximize synergy by combining Procell Therapeutics' expertise in gene recombination research and protein engineering with BioPlus's accumulated formulation development, mass production technology, and sales capabilities.

Additionally, they will jointly develop treatments for diabetes and obesity. By combining the bio-better material of liraglutide (Saxenda raw material), a GLP-1 derivative with an extended half-life currently being co-developed by BioPlus and its subsidiary UbiProtein, with Procell Therapeutics' drug delivery system that improves intestinal membrane permeability, they aim to develop an improved oral formulation drug that enhances dosing convenience compared to the currently marketed once-daily injectable therapy. It is expected that this new treatment, which improves user convenience, safety, and efficacy, will change market demand.

Procell Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing peptide and recombinant protein formulations based on gene recombination and protein engineering technologies, and has developed various therapeutic and cosmetic materials. Through macromolecular intracellular transport technology (MITT) and gene recombination, it develops proteins that enhance drug cell penetration and transdermal permeability, applying them to various drugs.

Jeong Hyungyu, chairman of BioPlus, stated, "The joint research between the two companies, each possessing useful materials and delivery system technologies, will create high synergy," adding, "We expect to introduce effective treatments applicable to various diseases, including a safe 'next-generation botulinum toxin' widely usable in chronic disease treatments such as chronic headaches, migraines, and tic disorders, as well as in skin beauty, and an oral diabetes and obesity treatment using improved liraglutide materials with enhanced convenience and stability."

Meanwhile, BioPlus anticipates stable entry into the botulinum toxin market based on its domestic and international sales networks and accumulated know-how secured in the filler market, its existing core area. The company plans to effectively target the related market by establishing a 'filler + botulinum toxin' line in the future.

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