- It was confirmed the presence of Prophage and Jamphage in the
Alkalihalobacillus clausii
- Prophage and Jamphage are expected to play a substantial role
in bacterial survival and immune regulation in the body.
BOSTON and SEOUL,
South Korea, May 29, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- iNtRON Biotechnology ("iNtRON",
www.intodeworld.com) has announced today the identification of
Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage from the microbiome frequently
observed in long-term Pancreatic cancer survivors. This significant
identification was achieved as part of ongoing
PHAGERIARUS® development project conducted by New Drug
Part of the company.
PHAGERIARUS® development project is focused on
acquiring bacteriophage-derived proteins that can serve as Immune
Regulators (IR). The ultimate goal is to develop phage-based
immunotherapeutics capable of treating a range of immune disorders
including cancer. The project is built on the research that
bacteriophages not only act as essential factors for the survival
and growth of bacteria, but also play a role in regulating the
immune system. In addition to the ongoing efforts to secure diverse
IR candidates, the project involves with comprehensive genomic and
functional analysis of disease-associated microbiomes and
bacteriophages. Additionally, the project aims to elucidate the
Mode of Action (MoA) of IR-related proteins derived from
bacteriophages.
iNtRON has been conducting researches mainly focused on lytic
bacteriophages for securing IR candidates and obtaining Open
Reading Frames (ORFs) within its genomes. However, it has been
discovered that a significant portion of bacteria residing in the
body carry lysogenic bacteriophages (Prophage/Jamphage) in its
genome. Recognizing the potential substantial role of these
lysogenic phages in inducing immune responses within the body,
iNtRON is actively securing genetic resources derived from
Prophage/Jamphage.
The primary focus of the company lies in Colorectal cancer and
Pancreatic cancer. It has been reported that patients diagnosed
with Pancreatic cancer exhibit a specific microbiome in the organ,
which is more prevalent in the long-term survivors (LTS) group
(survival period longer than 10 years) compared to the short-term
survivors (STS) group (survival period less than 5 years, median:
1.6 years). Alkalihalobacillus clausii has been identified
as a representative microbiome, and iNtRON has obtained the strain
and confirmed the presence of Prophage and Jamphage through the
genomic analysis.
As previously reported, the bacterial strains are believed to
affect the survival rate of Pancreatic cancer. iNtRON specifically
anticipates that Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage present in the
strains play a significant role as IR modulating the immune system.
According to the analysis results, a total of 7 strains have been
identified to contain 4 types of Prophage, 3 types of ORF-Jamphage,
and 12 types of Non-ORF-Jamphage, comprising a total of 531 ORFs.
In conclusion, these Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage-derived ORFs
are considered potential IR candidates.
The secured microbiomes are expected to reduce the occurrence
and recurrence of Pancreatic cancer and through a certain
mechanism, promote the patient's immune system for the long-term
survival. The actual functioning of the bacterial strains is
expected to be mediated by Prophage and Jamphage, and iNtRON is
conducting subsequent development based on the expectation.
Dr. SON, Ji-soo, the head of the BD Department said that "We are
currently securing a number of IR candidate materials to verify the
performance and efficacy to be applied in the development of
PHAGERIARUS®. While initially focusing on Colorectal
cancer and Pancreatic cancer, considering their prevalence and
intractability, we plan to gradually expand our research scope to
include the microbiome related to neurological diseases such as
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease." He added, "Our
bacteriophage-based New Drug is undoubtedly a 'First-in-Concept'
drug that can effectively control various immune-related diseases.
Therefore, we will continue to actively pursue the
PHAGERIARUS® development project, which involves the
analysis and acquisition of Prophage and Jamphage from microbiomes
specifically found in patients with various diseases, and then
elucidates the functions of each component."
Mr. YOON, Kyung-won, CEO of iNtRON said that "While most of the
existing bacteriophage research and development is focused on
bacterial infectious diseases, iNtRON is expanding the application
of bacteriophages to include antiviral drug development and also
immune-related drug development." He further emphasized, "This
expansion will clearly lead us to significant achievements in
'First-in-Class' and 'First-in-Concept' drug developments. We will
dedicate our efforts in establishing collaborations and building
technological networks with overseas companies in relation to these
endeavors."
About PHAGERIARUS® Platform
iNtRON's PHAGERIARUS® platform is a novel approach to
Immune & Immunotherapeutics using bacteriophages. By exploring
the effects of bacteriophages on the human immune system, iNtRON
aims to discover new immune regulators that can suppress diseases
and serve as potent anti-cancer immunotherapy. iNtRON's research
extends beyond the bacteria-bacteriophage relationship to encompass
bacteria, viruses, bacteriophages, and their interactions with
immunity. With a strong belief in the potential of bacteriophages
as immune regulators and potent anti-cancer immunotherapies, iNtRON
strives to discover their therapeutic advantages through the
PHAGERIARUS® platform.
About iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc.
iNtRON (www.iNtODEWORLD.com) is a bio-new drug developing
venture company and a leader in bacteriophage-based technology for
human with aim to develop and investigate into the 'Immune &
Immunotherapeutics' market. While pursuing global research and
business development (R&BD) investments since the foundation
and accelerated development after entering its IPO in KOSDAQ, the
company honed in on innovating BIO New Drugs by developing various
'First-in-Class" and "First-in-Concept' bio-drugs and conducting
clinical studies in phases. The Company is committed to development
of innovative innovation in the infectious diseases and 'Immune
& Immunotherapeutics' area.
Contact Us
YOON, Kyung
Won (Kevin) / CEO, Vice President / kwyoon@intron.co.kr
BD Team / partner@intron.co.kr
www.intodeworld.com
it is iNtRON.
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SOURCE iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc.