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KIST Transfers Technology to EuBiologics (2017.11.13)
- Date : 2017-11-23
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International Cooperation Team
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KIST Transfers Technology to EuBiologics
- KIST developed the world’s first *EcML-generating strain (*E. coli produced Monophosphoryl Lipid A)
- EuBiologics will attempt to mass-produce and commercialize immune boosters
On November 13, at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)’s headquarters in Seoul, KIST and EuBiologics signed a technology transfer agreement concerning production of the EcML-generating strain recently developed by KIST. A down payment of KRW 300 million was agreed upon, with milestone payments of KRW 6.5 billion and a licensing fee of 2-5% of net sales.
Immunity boosters of this sort (TLR-4 Agonist) are mostly used in vaccines. However, now that scientists have revealed their inner mechanisms, they are being considered for use in other medications, as well. In fact, potential applications have expanded to include immunotherapy for allergies, dementia, and cancer. Multiple clinical trials and commercialization efforts are currently under way.
So far, only 5 or 6 immunity boosters have been approved for use on the human body, and related licenses and core manufacturing technologies are almost exclusively owned by multinational corporations, making it difficult for other enterprises to get involved. For this reason, Dr. Chung Hak Suk from KIST’s Center for Theragnosis lead a research team in developing a strain that can efficiently generate EcML.
Through transferring the technology to EuBiologics, KIST attempts to overcome the monopoly of multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers and building an immune booster platform. In doing so, KIST hopes to lead the domestic vaccine market and eventually expand into overseas markets, as well. EuBiologics, on the other hand, is soon expected to unveil its plans for mass-manufacturing high value-added, high quality medical products; promoting greater commercialization; and developing platform technology for creating antiviral vaccines.
Dr. Lee Byung Gwon, president of KIST, said, “This technology transfer marks KIST’s pursuit of public interests through the development of vaccines to fight cancer, immunological diseases, and central nervous system diseases.”
Dr. Yeong-Ok Baik, CEO of EuBiologics, stated, “With the technology transfer from KIST, EuBiologics can soon begin producing and commercializing active pharmaceutical ingredients, and we will further promote mid- and long-term growth by developing a product pipeline for antiviral vaccines, medications, and immunity boosters.”