Daewoong Pharmaceutical is teaming up with a biotech startup to develop an obesity treatment administered by injection just once a month. On the 8th, the company announced a strategic partnership with TionLab Therapeutics to develop and commercialize a long-acting semaglutide injection. This collaboration serves as a model of open innovation, merging TionLab Therapeutics’ long-acting drug-delivery platform with Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s expertise in clinical trials and global commercialization.
The core of the project lies in the combination of two proprietary technologies. TionLab Therapeutics’ "Qject Sphere" utilizes a specialized formulation coating to suppress the rapid release of medication immediately after injection. Meanwhile, Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s "Qure" technology produces uniformly sized microspheres through an inlet-nozzle spray process. This manufacturing method minimizes variability between particles, ensuring a steady and consistent drug-release rate over time.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical explained that while Qject Sphere controls the initial burst, Qure maintains stability for the remainder of the month. By reducing the dosing frequency from once weekly to once monthly, the company expects to significantly improve patient convenience and treatment adherence.
The two companies submitted a domestic Investigational New Drug (IND) application in April. They plan to proceed with domestic clinical trials and global development immediately, with the goal of dosing the first patient before the end of the year. Daewoong Pharmaceutical intends to leverage its extensive experience in global clinical trials to ensure success beginning at the Phase 1 stage, positioning the product as a competitive long-acting option in the global obesity market.
"Through this agreement, we have completed an industry-leading portfolio in the obesity treatment sector," said Park Sung-soo, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical. "Based on our global clinical and manufacturing capabilities, we will provide patients worldwide with more convenient and effective treatment options."
