Korean biotechs actively apply nanotechnology to therapeutics

Nano technology, which allows for the control of material properties at the atomic and molecular levels, is increasingly finding extensive applications in the field of biomedicine. Recent developments highlight its vital role in disease treatment, diagnosis, drug delivery, and more.

One of the most prominent examples of nano technology application is in the development of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) Covid-19 vaccines, according to Korean industry sources on Monday. mRNA vaccines utilize genetic material to instruct the body to produce antibodies, but their biochemical instability presents challenges and thus cationic liposomes, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are required to ensure stable delivery within the body.

Renheim Therapeutics, a Korean biotech firm, is currently using cationic liposome technology to develop treatments for conditions including osteoarthritis and pancreatic cancer. For the osteoarthritis treatment, the company’s scientists load mRNA encoding target proteins responsible for cartilage tissue recovery and pain management into nano particles for efficient delivery. Similarly, for a pancreatic cancer vaccine, the scientists employ a nano particle delivery system to carry encrypted target antigens, inducing an immune response against cancer cells.

MDimune, another Korean biotech, employs nano vesicles derived from human cells to create a safer and more effective drug delivery platform compared to conventional LNP technology. The company’s approach targets specific tissues within the body.

Nanotechnology is also being applied to diagnose and understand the root causes of chronic diseases. Prestige BioPharma, a Korean company, recently partnered with U.S. medical imaging firm, Imageon BioSystems, to jointly develop a platform for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer using Imageon’s nano-imaging discovery technology.

Data analysis firm GlobalData estimated the global nano pharmaceutical market to grow from $27 billion in 2018 to $49.2 billion by 2025.