Today, iNtRON Biotechnology is thrilled to announce the discovery of Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage from the microbiome commonly found in long-term Pancreatic cancer survivors. This remarkable breakthrough is made possible due to the diligent efforts of the PHAGERIARUS® project led by the New Drug Part of the company. With this advancement, researchers will have access to new insight into the treatment of this devastating disease.
The PHAGERIARUS® project is on a mission to harness the power of bacteriophage-derived proteins, with the ultimate goal of developing powerful immunotherapeutics to treat diseases such as cancer. By leveraging genomic and functional analysis of disease-associated microbiomes and the bacteriophages they host, the project is acquiring an array of Immune Regulators (IR) that are capable of delivering therapeutic and regulatory effects.
Along the way, efforts are being undertaken to gain insight into the Mode of Action (MoA) of the phage-derived IR candidates. Ultimately, these efforts are paving the way for creating a novel class of phage-based immunotherapeutics to effectively address a range of immune disorders.
iNtRON is exploring the role of lysogenic bacteriophages (Prophage/Jamphage), which live within a significant portion of the body’s bacteria, in conferring immunity. Our research focuses on obtaining genetic resources derived from these lysogenic phages in addition to lytic bacteriophages, in order to identify immune response-inducing candidates and open reading frames (ORFs). We believe that understanding the role of lysogenic bacteriophages will pave the way for breakthroughs in immunology.
The focus of iNtRON is aimed at combating Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancers, and through detailed research, the company has identified a specific microbiome that is prevalent in long-term survivors (LTS) of Pancreatic Cancer- those who have survived for over 10 years. This microbiome has been dubbed Alkalihalobacillus clausii, and iNtRON has collected and analyzed the strain to gain further insight into its Prophage and Jamphage components.
Analysis from iNTRON has revealed the presence of seven bacterial strains that could significantly affect the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients. The evidence points to four kinds of Prophage, three kinds of ORF-Jamphage, and twelve kinds of Non-ORF-Jamphage in the strains, totaling up to 531 ORFs. These Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage-derived ORFs could potentially serve as important immune response modulators and represent promising therapeutic potential.
At iNtRON, we are striving to reduce the occurrence and recurrence of Pancreatic cancer by harnessing the power of secure microbiomes. Our innovative approach envisions the use of Prophage and Jamphage to mediate the actual functioning of the bacterial strains, ultimately aiming to improve the patient’s immune system and long-term survival. An exciting new initiative is underway and we look forward to the promising results!
Dr. SON, Ji-soo, the head of the BD Department announced that the research team is diligently seeking out evidence to verify the performance and efficacy of PHAGERIARUS®, a life-saving New Drug. Initially targeting Colorectal cancer and Pancreatic cancer due to the high occurrence and difficulty in managing them, they plan to expand their scope to include neurologically-induced diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Characterized as a ‘First-in-Concept’ drug, PHAGERIARUS® is expected to be highly effective in controlling various immune-related illnesses. To achieve reliable results, the team will proceed to analyse and obtain Prophage and Jamphage from the microbiomes found in different patients. This pursuit will, in turn, lead to discovering the importance of each essential element.
With the focus of existing bacteriophage research and development mainly on bacterial infectious diseases, iNtRON is boldly expanding its application of bacteriophages beyond the boundaries of traditional areas. CEO of iNtRON Kyung-won Yoon states, “We are looking to create potentially groundbreaking ‘First-in-Class’ and ‘First-in-Concept’ drugs for antiviral and immune related drug developments.
To make these plans a reality, we are actively seeking collaborations and establishing technological networks with global partners.” So, with a vision of ushering in a new era of healthcare treatments, iNtRON is paving the way to make these advances accessible to all.
About PHAGERIARUS® Platform
At iNtRON, we believe in the immense potential of bacteriophages as not only immune regulators but also effective immunotherapies for cancer. Our PHAGERIARUS® platform presents an entirely new approach to Immune & Immunotherapeutics: by using bacteriophages to explore the effects on the human immune system, we hope to uncover groundbreaking treatments to fight and suppress diseases.
We go beyond traditional understandings of bacteria-bacteriophage relationships to encompass viruses, bacteria, and bacteriophages and their interactions with immunity. Join us in an exploration of the immense possibilities afforded by bacteriophages for a healthier future
About iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc.
Founded with the ambition to claim a sizeable portion of the ‘Immune & Immunotherapeutics’ market, iNtRON has made great strides since its KOSDAQ IPO. With a unique approach to BIO New Drugs development through the use of the groundbreaking bacteriophage-based technology, the Company is on the cusp of revolutionizing the treatment of infectious diseases and immunotherapies as evidenced by its robust pipeline of ‘First-in-Class’ and ‘First-in-Concept’ drugs under an active clinical trial process. iNtRON promises to pave the way and deliver groundbreaking results to the healthcare sector in the years to come.