Sungkyunkwan University-led Industry-Academia-Research Consortium Selected for '12 National Strategic Technologies' Material Development Project
On the 21st, IMNEWRUN, an innovative drug development company (CEO Han-Joo Kim), announced its participation in the Ministry of Science and ICT’s '2024 Nano and Material Technology Development Project for National Strategic Technologies'. The industry-academia-research consortium, led by Sungkyunkwan University, was selected for this project and will receive 6.57 billion KRW in research funding over five years.
The head of the lead research institution is Professor Yong-Ho Kim of the Department of Nanotechnology at Sungkyunkwan University. IMNEWRUN, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), National NanoFab Center, and Institut Pasteur Korea will also participate.
The goal of this project is to establish a diagnostic and therapeutic process that can quickly respond to emerging variants and new viruses. The selected project will use target-oriented generative protein design technology to design universal molecular recognition materials based on peptides and proteins that can respond to infectious diseases with potential for future pandemics.
IMNEWRUN has formed a 'Biofoundry Team' with Professors Yong-Ho Kim and Seung-Koo Kang of Sungkyunkwan University. The team plans to use generative AI algorithms to design peptide and protein candidates that bind to variant viruses. IMNEWRUN will utilize its biofoundry facilities to verify the designed candidates, derive lead compounds, and develop mass production processes for diagnostic materials and therapeutics. Dr. Ki Roh, a researcher at the National NanoFab Center, will develop a multi-variant diagnostic kit based on high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor technology. Dr. Seung-Taek Kim of Institut Pasteur Korea will evaluate the neutralization ability of the therapeutics using the institute's unique multi-variant and mutant virus library.
Additionally, Director Kyung-Chul Go and Dr. Kyung-Ryun Lee of the National Preclinical Trial Support Center at KRIBB will evaluate the efficacy of the therapeutics in animal models and establish a 'digital preclinical technology-based in vivo pharmacokinetics prediction model' to predict optimal therapeutic effects in humans. Dr. Hyun-Joo Cha of the Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center at KRIBB will develop a 'next-generation mRNA-based multi-variant therapeutic' to enhance therapeutic efficacy and enable rapid response.
Professor Yong-Ho Kim of Sungkyunkwan University stated, "The application of generative protein design technology can shift paradigms in the bio field," and added, "Based on the outstanding capabilities of our research team, we will successfully carry out this project. It will also be an excellent opportunity to elevate practical public health advancements, from basic natural sciences to nationwide healthcare system development."
Director Kyung-Chul Go of the National Preclinical Trial Support Center at KRIBB emphasized, "The data derived from this project will be linked to the ongoing 'Smart Digital Preclinical Integrated Support System,' which will maximize the speed and success rate of new drug development through a digital data value chain."
Na Un, Vice President of IMNEWRUN, said, "IMNEWRUN has been developing and advancing 'generative AI-based protein design technology' over the past five years since its establishment. This has allowed us to participate in research to establish national strategies for future pandemics."
IMNEWRUN is a biotech company developing innovative platform technologies and treatments for neurological disorders. The company possesses a 'next-generation blood-brain barrier penetrating antibody platform' (TRANSMAB®), designed using generative AI and de novo protein design techniques. The 'Nano and Material Technology Development Project' selected this time is part of a larger initiative to preemptively conduct R&D on the 12 National Strategic Technologies (semiconductors, secondary batteries, aerospace, etc.).
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