Aribio Partners with SK Chemicals for Global Commercialization of Korean Alzheimer's Drug

Aribio announced on October 22 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK Chemicals to expand the development and pursue global entry of AR1001, an oral treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

AR1001 is based on mirodenafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor developed by SK Chemicals. Since acquiring the technology from SK Chemicals in 2011, Aribio has been developing this compound as a treatment for dementia. Currently, the efficacy and safety of AR1001 are being verified through a global Phase 3 clinical trial in 13 countries.

Through this agreement, the two companies plan to continuously discuss ways to collaborate in various areas, including the development of next-generation formulations of AR1001, global clinical trial cooperation, and manufacturing and export after commercialization. The MOU was signed based on a shared understanding between the two companies regarding the progress of AR1001's global Phase 3 clinical trial and its commercialization potential. The specific details of future cooperation will be determined through further discussions.

Jaejun Jung, CEO of Aribio, stated, "With the commercialization of an oral Alzheimer's disease drug developed in Korea now within reach, we will do our utmost to join forces and achieve results in the global market through this partnership."

Park Hyunseon, Head of the Pharma Business at SK Chemicals, said, "We will actively cooperate with Aribio so that mirodenafil, which we developed, can be expanded to treat various diseases such as dementia and become a leading example of drug repurposing."

Meanwhile, Aribio's ongoing global Phase 3 clinical trial for AR1001 (POLARIS-AD) has completed enrollment of 1,535 patients across 13 countries, including the United States, seven European countries, Korea, and China. The trial has passed a key milestone and entered its final stage. Aribio plans to complete the trial in the first half of next year, release the primary results first, and then submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the US FDA by the end of the same year.

AR1001 is being developed as a multi-mechanism drug that acts on various pathological pathways, including neuroprotection and neurogenesis, inhibition of toxic protein accumulation, and improvement of cerebral blood flow, with the goal of slowing cognitive decline. According to the UK-based market research firm GlobalData, AR1001 has been evaluated as one of the most promising Alzheimer's drug candidates in terms of sales potential and marketability, based on its differentiated mechanism, safety, and dosing convenience.

In addition, Aribio has signed an agreement with Samjin Pharmaceutical, a domestic pharmaceutical company, granting exclusive sales and manufacturing rights for AR1001 in Korea, and is expanding collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies at home and abroad for the development of new drugs for degenerative brain diseases. Aribio is currently pursuing a merger with Kosdaq-listed Solux, with the scheduled date set for January 20 of next year.

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