Daewoong Pharmaceutical has secured liver organoid technology from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, aiming to enhance its drug development capabilities. The strategy focuses on improving the accuracy of non-clinical toxicity assessments to boost research and development (R&D) efficiency.
On July 15, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that it signed a technology transfer agreement with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology for the 'Liver Organoid Production and Drug Evaluation Technology.' Organoids are three-dimensional artificial organs cultivated using stem cells, precisely mimicking the structure and function of human organs. This method allows for more accurate research while adhering to ethical standards compared to animal testing.
The technology transfer signing ceremony took place at Daewoong's Magok Research Center, attended by Daewoong CEO Park Sung-soo and Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology President Kwon Seok-yun, along with key representatives from both sides.
Daewoong has proactively adopted the '3D Human Liver Organoid Production and Toxicity Evaluation Platform' developed by Dr. Son Myung-jin's team. The company expects this technology, which boasts high completeness and extensive empirical data, to align with the growing trend of alternative testing methods to animal experiments, particularly those expanding under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Traditional two-dimensional liver cells have limitations in predicting drug toxicity due to structural differences from actual organs. In contrast, this new technology replicates human liver tissue and the intrahepatic bile duct structure, enhancing the accuracy of preclinical liver toxicity assessments, according to the company. Additionally, it is recognized for overcoming the limitations of large-scale production of organoids, as it maintains functionality even after continuous proliferation and freeze-thaw cycles.
This technology has been adopted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines Project (DRP) and a new project for international standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), with international expert reviews currently underway.
Through this technology adoption, Daewoong aims to elevate its non-clinical evaluation system to international standards and precisely assess the liver toxicity of drug candidates at the non-clinical stage, thereby increasing the success rate of research and development.
Park Sung-soo, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated, "To enhance the speed and efficiency of drug development, a research platform capable of more precise evaluation of candidates is essential. We will leverage our collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology to advance liver organoid technology and achieve tangible results in drug development."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.