HK inno.N, Novacell team up on treatments

HK inno.N signed an agreement with Novacell Technology to jointly develop treatments for autoimmune diseases, the Korean maker of hangover helpers and pharmaceuticals said Wednesday.

Upon the agreement, Novacell Technology, a biomaterial company based in Pohang, North Gyeongsang, will focus on discovering drug candidates using peptides while HK inno.N will be in charge of conducting research and preparing for clinical trials.

Peptides are molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino acids, and are smaller than proteins. Some types are useful in reducing inflammation and activating cells, the Kosdaq-listed company said.

The two companies aim to develop treatments using third-generation peptiroid, a new candidate material for peptides that Novacell Technology has been developing in cooperation with a research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology. The third-generation peptiroid shows better efficacy in reducing inflammation, and is safer than the second-generation.

Existing anti-inflammatory drugs have high risks of side effects, and can be effective only when taken for a long time. The peptiroid may play a key role in redressing the drawbacks, according to the company.

“We are pleased that we could work together with Novacell Technology, a leading company in peptide technologies,” said Ko Dong-hyun, head of HK inno.N’s research and development center. “We will endeavor to develop a treatment that can be used in various inflammatory diseases by maximizing the strengths of peptiroid."

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]