Apicell Therapeutics Selected for 'Pan-Government Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project'... Developing Next-Generation Exosome Technology

A researcher at Apicell Therapeutics is conducting research using the AFX platform technology.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Apicell Therapeutics, a joint venture established by Daewoong Pharmaceutical and UK-based Avacta, announced on the 22nd that it has been selected for the '2022 Pan-Government Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project' and will begin developing treatments for graft-versus-host disease and next-generation exosome technologies using the AFX platform.

The Pan-Government Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Project is a national research and development initiative led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, supporting the entire R&D cycle from core foundational technologies in regenerative medicine to clinical application stages. By 2030, a total of 595.5 billion KRW will be invested in ▲foundational regenerative medicine technologies ▲related technologies ▲development of therapeutics and treatment technologies.

Apicell Therapeutics will receive 3.6 billion KRW in government funding over the next five years to develop graft-versus-host disease treatments and next-generation exosome and engineered exosome technologies using the AFX platform. Graft-versus-host disease is a condition where transfused lymphocytes attack the recipient’s body, causing symptoms such as rash, fever, and thrombocytopenia.

The AFX platform is a function-enhanced stem cell gene therapy platform that introduces Avacta’s Affimer gene into Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s stem cell platform ‘DW-MSC’. Affimer is a substance that acts on specific proteins, binding with high affinity to certain antigens on stem cells, thereby enhancing immune inflammation regulation functions. This platform technology can replace antibodies and is expected to achieve high therapeutic efficacy. Apicell Therapeutics is conducting R&D aiming for Phase 1 clinical approval to develop function-enhanced stem cells fused with Affimer technology as a treatment for graft-versus-host disease.

The next-generation exosome technology development project also utilizes the AFX platform. Apicell Therapeutics has secured foundational technology for developing ‘engineered exosome’ therapeutics, known as next-generation exosome technology, and is conducting R&D targeting proof of concept (PoC). Exosomes are intercellular signaling substances containing components effective in regeneration and immune regulation, offering safety and efficacy comparable to cell therapies. Yoo Jong-sang, CEO of Apicell Therapeutics, stated, “We will focus Apicell Therapeutics’ R&D capabilities on national research and development projects to accelerate new drug development aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.”

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