Schlieren ZH/Seoul – Topadur Pharma is working in Seoul with Yonsei University and Juvic Inc. on new procedures for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Topadur is contributing its drug TOP-N53 and Juvic biodegradable microneedles.
The biopharmaceutical company Topadur Pharma has launched a joint project with Yonsei University and the medical technology company Juvic Inc. in the South Korean capital Seoul, according to a press release. The aim is to improve disease management in systemic sclerosis. In particular, the project aims to improve the treatment of patients who develop digital ulcers and suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon.
Systemic sclerosis is a rare inflammatory rheumatic disease. Raynaud's phenomenon is a vascular disease associated with periodic vasoconstriction and the resulting reduced blood flow to the fingers, with intermittent pain, numbness, tingling and skin discoloration. Patients have a high risk of developing digital ulcers, also known as finger wounds, which are difficult to heal.
Topadur is contributing TOP-N53, a drug candidate in the clinical phase that can regenerate local blood flow, to the collaboration project. Juvic has developed biodegradable microneedles that make it possible to administer the active ingredient intradermally. The tiny needles penetrate the skin painlessly, dissolve there and release the active ingredient.
The transnational collaboration is supported by the home countries of the two companies. For example, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion Innosuisse and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology contributed to the project costs of around 1.2 million dollars.
Topadur was founded in 2015 and is a member of the Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich. ce/gba