ChabioTech is collaborating with Ewha Womans University to develop a cell therapy for peritoneal fibrosis, supported by government funding. The two parties aim to conduct joint research focused on developing an autologous mesenchymal stem cell-based treatment.
On August 3, ChabioTech announced that their joint proposal with Ewha Womans University for the project titled 'Development of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Treatment for Peritoneal Fibrosis' has been selected for the 'Innovative Postdoctoral Researcher Industry-Academic Linkage Project' supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT.
This initiative aims to develop innovative technologies with significant industrial impact by linking outstanding early-career researchers with corporate research and development (R&D) infrastructure. Over the next two years, ChabioTech and Ewha Womans University will receive up to 235 million won to conduct joint research from candidate substance identification to non-clinical and commercialization process development.
Peritoneal fibrosis, the target of this joint research, is a severe complication that occurs when patients with chronic kidney failure undergo long-term peritoneal dialysis, causing the peritoneum to harden and thicken, ultimately leading to the loss of dialysis membrane function. Currently, there are no treatments available that can fundamentally prevent structural changes and functional decline of the peritoneum, aside from symptomatic relief, making it a condition with a high unmet medical need.
The two parties are working on the development of a first-in-class autologous cell therapy targeting peritoneal fibrosis. The research team led by Professor Kang Deok-hee from Ewha Womans University’s Department of Nephrology will enhance the source technology of mesenchymal stem cells derived from peritoneal dialysis fluid and establish standard analytical methods. ChabioTech plans to develop standard culture methods and large-scale production processes based on its cell culture and process development (CMC) capabilities to lay the groundwork for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
Mesenchymal stem cells are known for their high safety profile and low risk of immune rejection, as they are extracted from the patient's own tissue. They are expected to be utilized in inhibiting peritoneal fibrosis and restoring function, thanks to their ability to migrate to damaged tissues and their anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration properties.
ChabioTech's TPP team executive Kye Min-jeong stated, 'The selection of this government project recognizes the excellence of ChabioTech's accumulated stem cell R&D capabilities and commercialization infrastructure. We will collaborate with Ewha Womans University to establish a foundation for developing cell therapies that will provide new treatment options for patients with peritoneal fibrosis.'
Additionally, the company was selected last month for the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'AX (AI Transformation) One-Stop Voucher' support project. They plan to implement an automated regulatory document system for manufacturing and quality control (CMC) based on generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of cell therapy development and regulatory approval processes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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