Biosun Pharm and Onconic Therapeutics have been selected as the winners in the new drug development category of the Korea New Drug Development Awards.
The Korea Drug Development Research Association (KDRA) announced on the 26th that it has selected Biosun Pharm, which developed the non-opioid pain reliever "Anafra," and Onconic Therapeutics, which developed the gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment "Zacubo," as the winners in the new drug development category of the 26th Korea New Drug Development Awards.
The Korea New Drug Development Awards, organized by the Korea Drug Development Research Association and sponsored by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, honors corporations that challenge new drug development and product globalization. This award ceremony will be held on the 28th at the Samjeong Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul.
Anafra (generic name: Opiranserin), developed by Biosun Pharm, is a non-opioid injectable analgesic that works multifariously in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. It is used for short-term therapy for severe acute pain control after surgery. It is a new treatment with a different mechanism from existing opioid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It produces analgesic effects by simultaneously inhibiting glycine transporter 2 and serotonin receptor 2A, which are directly involved in generating pain signals from pain receptors in the skin, muscles, ligaments, and joints.
As the issue of opioid analgesic addiction and misuse is serious worldwide, the company expects that the non-opioid pain reliever Anafra will gain competitiveness in the global market.
"Zacubo" (generic name: Zastaparazone citrate), Korea's 37th new drug, is a gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment developed by Onconic Therapeutics, a subsidiary of JEIL PHARMACEUTICAL. It blocks acid secretion by interfering with the binding of potassium ions to the proton pump that secretes gastric acid.
Zacubo has successfully made three technology exports to countries including China, India, and Mexico, expanding its presence to 21 countries worldwide.
For the technology export awards, selected corporations include Nexi, which develops immune anticancer drugs; IM, which develops bispecific antibody drugs; and LG CHEM, which is developing a drug for rare obesity.