KT has joined hands with "NeuroSigma", an American electronic medicine developer who first obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases.
KT signed a business agreement with NeuroSigma on June 14 and announced that it will cooperate to develop and commercialize products in the field of electronic drugs that treat neuropsychiatric diseases such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.
This business agreement was signed in a non-face-to-face manner in a video conference room prepared by each company.
Developed by NeuroSigma, "Monarch external Trial Nerve Stimulation System (MonarcheTNS)" is a technique used to treat neuropathic diseases by stimulating brain nerves through electronic patches rather than drugs.
It is the first electronic drug to treat ADHD to be approved by the U.S. FDA for medical devices. Using this technology, the company is planning to expand it to depression and epilepsy diseases and seek additional FDA approval.
KT is planning to support the design and development of next-generation versions of eTNS products based on AI (Artificial Intelligence), big data, and cloud capabilities through partnership with NeuroSigma. It is also going to promote monitoring and upgrading AI analysis services, commercialization in South Korea, and cooperation in establishing South Korea's production bases in connection with KT's digital healthcare platform.
Existing ADHD treatment drugs are central nerve stimulants, which are likely to cause side effects such as headaches, anxiety, and addiction.
On the other hand, eTNS electronic drugs have mild side effects compared to drugs, proving their stability and effectiveness. It is expected that there will be a high demand for patients looking for alternatives to existing neuropsychiatric drugs.
"In Korea, digital therapy is still in its starting stage, but its utility and growth potential are excellent," said Kim Hyung-wook, head (vice president) of KT's Future Value Promotion Office. "Starting with business cooperation with NeuroSigma, we will actively foster digital therapy including electronic drugs as a new healthcare business and make efforts to expand the market."
Meanwhile, KT established "Digital & BioHealth P-TF" in its future value promotion office at the end of last year. This year, Kim Hyung-wook, head of the Future Value Promotion Office, took office as chairman of the Digital Health Industry Association, showing great commitment to fostering new healthcare businesses.
