ST Pharm (CEO Kyung-Jin Kim) has announced a joint research agreement with Interon Laboratories, a Boston-based biotech company, to develop a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) inhibitor. This collaboration aims to produce a small-molecule preclinical candidate that selectively inhibits TNFR over two years, starting June 2024.

Interon Laboratories, co-founded in 2020 by Dr. Jun-Ryeol Hur of Harvard Medical School and Dr. Gloria Choi of MIT, focuses on developing new treatments in neurobiology and immunology. The company uses exclusive proprietary platform technology to create novel drugs for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

This research distinguishes itself by using a small molecule to selectively inhibit TNFR, unlike traditional biologics. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a multifunctional cytokine central to immune regulation, signaling through two distinct receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNFR1 primarily mediates cell death and inflammation, while TNFR2 contributes to immune regulation and tissue regeneration. Although anti-TNF drugs treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, they face challenges such as immunogenicity, safety concerns, side effects, and high costs, highlighting the need for selective alternatives.

Developing a small molecule that selectively inhibits TNFR is expected to offer a safer, more effective treatment with high selectivity, stability, and reduced costs, making it accessible to more patients.

Kyung-Jin Kim, CEO of ST Pharm, stated, "Through our 'Innovative Virtual R&D' strategy and collaboration with overseas biotech companies, we believe the synergy between ST Pharm's drug development capabilities and Interon's bio-system will lead to successful outcomes."

Jaspaul Singh, CEO of Interon, added, "We are pleased to partner with ST Pharm. The combination of Interon's platform technology and ST Pharm's expertise in drug development will accelerate the creation of new drugs to improve human health."