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LG Life Sciences Discovers Innovative Necrosis Inhibitors
■ New drug development for reperfusion injuries, stroke, and liver transplants will be pursued in cooperation with Asan Medical Center
■ Global commercialization of skin care products, research tools, cell therapy applications and other related areas is expected next year
LG Life Sciences, Ltd. (LGLS, CEO: KIM In-Chull) announced the discovery of novel series of chemicals which, compared to existing cell protection substances, has had a breakthrough suppressive effect on necrotic cell death. These necrosis inhibitors(“NIs”) will be developed as new chemical entities, additives for cell therapy, research reagents, skin care products, as well as other diverse applications
In this regard, LGLS presented Development and Commercialization of Novel Cell Protectants on the 27th, headed by Mr. KIM In-Chull and the Board of Directors and researchers, and under joint research and agreement with Asan Medical Centers Department of Surgery for Liver-Gall-Pancreas. Asan Medical Center is Korea’s largest hospital with more than 2400 beds.
NIs have been found to be distinctively unique in its suppressive effect on cell necrosis usually brought on by toxins or stress, its mitochondrial targeting and reactive oxygen species scavenging effect, and their simultaneous HMGB1 inhibition effect, all of which have been covered by international patents.
Commercialization of NIs will be facilitated due to their favorable pharmacokinetics and the feasibility of large scale synthesis in addition to favorable physicochemical properties including high water solubility and to ability to control the degree of blood brain barrier penetration.
Development of necrosis inhibiting agents that inhibit cell death is highly needed for liver diseases (hepatectomy, liver transplant, hepatocirrhosis), neurodegenerative diseases as well as ischemic injuries of the heart. LGLS has also revealed that development is possible in diverse areas including varieties of cell culture media (cell therapy, preservative for specimen diagnosis, etc.) and tissue engineering (artificial organs, organ preservation, etc.)
Since its first successful synthesis in 2006, further studies was revealed the substance had an effective necrosis suppressive effect on brain cells, pancreas cells, heart cells, and liver cells, as well as many other cells types, and was also verified to increase the survival rates for cell transplantation.
Following released test results, Asan Medical Centers Professor PARK Kwang Min, who has been at the helm of related animal experiments, stated today, NIs, under development by LGLS has proven to effectively inhibit ischemic liver injury, as confirmed through canine tests. Henceforth, it is anticipated this substance is not only limited to resections, organ transplants, embolization, and treatment of diseases caused by damage due to ischemic reperfusion, but can also be effectively applied to the prevention and treatment of heart attacks, strokes, as well as degenerative brain disorders.
CEO KIM In-Chull stated, Successful discovery and characterization of NIs has hereafter undoubtedly empowered us to promote business opportunities through partnering with companies in diverse fields, which will ultimately offer new value to customers.
In the short term, LGLS will take its first step into the global market next year with skin care products, research reagents, diagnostic specimen deterioration prevention and related fields; in the mid to long term, it will also initiate clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases , resections, embolization, and organ transplants.
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