UNIST Treats Dog Paralysis Caused by Disc Injury with 'Supinegel'

UNIST Faculty Startup Company Validates Effectiveness of Obtaining Approval from Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency

World's First Treatment Using In Vivo Macromolecules, Restores Leg Mobility Within Two Weeks

Disc disease in companion dogs can cause paralysis of the lower limbs or even total body paralysis, making the development of effective treatments urgent.

A faculty startup from UNIST is expected to significantly improve treatment outcomes by developing an anti-adhesion agent for use after disc surgery in companion dogs.

Supine Therapeutics, a startup founded by Professor Kim Jungbum of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNIST (President Park Jongrae), launched "SupineGel," the world's first medical device for spinal surgery in companion animals using in vivo biopolymers, in June. By preventing scar formation in nerve tissue, it is expected to promote nerve cell regeneration and improve paralysis symptoms.

Professor Jeongbeom Kim, CEO of Supine Therapeutics.

Previously, the surgical success rate for dogs with severe paralysis of the lower limbs was only 50%, but dogs treated with SupineGel regained leg mobility within an average of two weeks. No recurrence has been observed even after two years.

Supine Therapeutics received regulatory approval from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency in April, recognizing its technological capabilities. Currently, SupineGel is being prescribed for disc and spinal fracture surgeries in numerous animal hospitals across Korea.

Hydrogel for veterinary disc treatment released by SpineTherapeutics (commercially available model).

Professor Kim Jungbum said, "I am delighted to bring good news to suffering companion animals and their owners," and added, "We plan to expand our business not only in Korea but also to overseas companion animal markets."

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