바이오스펙테이터

바이오스펙테이터 Sungmin Kim 기자

“1ST BIO has pioneered a new drug discovery paradigm based on a unique acceleration model that has never been attempted by local pharmaceutical companies. This research and development (R&D) platform involves a discovery process to screen for potential ‘first-in-class’/’best-in-class’ entities in the early stage before commencing clinical trials. Thus, our core aim is to discover and develop innovative therapeutic candidates with a high likelihood of clinical success,” said Kim Jae-Eun, chief executive officer of 1ST BIO.

The company does not emphasize any core technology. Its competitiveness in the R&D sector lies in an 'optimized work flow' that centers upon a ‘comprehensive assessment (totality)’, while speed doesn’t matter. In full recognition of its potentiality, 1ST BIO received an 8 billion won Series A investment at the end of last year.

1ST BIO’s R&D platform mixes the accelerator model for early-stage drug discovery and general biotech. “We are confident that we can perform the initial drug discovery process in the fastest, most efficient manner.” Kim explained.

The company’s R&D platform consists of three phases: PREDI-MAX, VALU-MAX, and eXIT-MAX. In the first PREDI-MAX platform, internal and/or external R&D projects will be carefully studied to assess the possibility to select more valuable candidates as an accelerator. “The overall profiles of the various candidates need to be examined using a more scientific approach to see how they work,” Kim said....