바이오스펙테이터

by Jongwon Jang

EnSolBio Science is accelerating the development of ‘Engedi 1000 (E1K)’, a treatment for degenerative arthritis. E1K has a mechanism to induce tissue regeneration by reducing the expression of neural growth factor (NGF), which is a pain factor, to alleviate pain, while blocking the pathway that promotes degeneration of cartilage tissue.

Kim Hae-jin CEO said, “In addition to suppressing the expression of MMP-13, a metalloproteinase involved in collagen matrix rebuilding, E1K increases the expression of Aggrecan, a major component of the cartilage matrix, regenerating the tissue. We observed an increase in cartilage composition, when E1K was administered in animal models where cartilage and exposure were observed.”

The possibility of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOAD) treatment was also suggested. DMOAD refers to a therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis that depresses or restores structural disease progression, as well as alleviating joint pain and improving function. EnSol Bio plans to apply for Phase I approval soon after the preclinical animal experiment.

EnSol Bio also announced their entry into the veterinary drug market, with a treatment for degenerative arthritis. Based on the outstanding clinical results of E1K, it has decided to expand its business into the rapidly flourishing ‘animal medicine’ market.

“In a proof of concept (POC) trial conducted on 17 dogs with arthritis, we observed improvement in the quadriceps in the group treated with E1K, compared with the control group treated with analgesic alone”, Kim said.

E1K Animal medicine (code name EAD100) is currently conducting a field study at the Veterinary Hospital in Seoul, Korea. For veterinary medicines, new drug approval may be requested once field study results are available. “We are actively engaged in partnership negotiations with global companies, and we expect to become a new cash cow, since we will then be able to enter the market quickly”, the company said. This year’s license is underway to launch next year.

CEO Kim Hae-jin said, “We will prepare for another leap forward through licensing of animal drugs, global sales, and technology transfer of new drug projects”, adding, “It is our top priority to be successful in creating new medicines through our research, and the accompanying results will be the prize.” On the other hand, ENSOL BIO is a new drug development company based on BIOVIC data analysis. They have a platform technology that can continually find new drug candidates with high safety and effectiveness. EnSol Biotech has built two platform technologies: Knowledge-based In Silico Drug Discovery (KISDD), and Ensons Trans-Omics Network System (ETONS), which are based on in silico technology, to identify high-potency non-toxic substances from the candidate substance discovery stage, and to predict their mechanisms of action.