Korea United Pharm said on March 16 that it has successfully registered a patent for next-generation liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis cures in the U.S. and Japan.
Korea United Pharm recently received a patent registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Japanese Patent Office (IPO) for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis treatment purposes of the gold material "Auranofin," which is under research and development.
With the patent registration decision, Korea United Pharm will be guaranteed exclusive rights to the liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis treatment of Auranofin in the U.S. by 2034, and in Japan by 2035.
Liver fibrosis is part of a bio-adaptive reaction that accompanies chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and occurs during the recovery of damaged liver tissue. However, it interferes with the contact between the liver cells and blood, making the liver function slowly deteriorating.
The need to develop a cure is looming as it can develop into cirrhosis, which erases liver function if it is continuously repeated.
In 2016, Korea United Pharm received technology transfer from Seoul National University's industry-academic cooperative group on liver fibrosis treatment of its gold material active ingredients such as Auranofin.
Besides the U.S. and Japan, where it has successfully registered its patents, it recently applied to major countries such as China and Europe and the applied patents are being reviewed.
CEO Kang Duk-young said, "We are making efforts to commercialize next-generation liver fiber and liver cirrhosis drug technologies. We will continue to focus on securing overseas patents, following those in the U.S. and Japan."