ILDONG Pharmaceuticals Secures Patents for GLP-1 Drug Candidate in China and Japan

Utilizing Small-Molecule Characteristics to Develop an Oral Drug for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

ILDONG Pharmaceuticals (CEO Woongsup Yun) has obtained substance patents for its metabolic disease drug candidate, ID110521156, in China and Japan. The candidate is currently being developed through its subsidiary, Unovia.

ID110521156 is a drug from the GLP-1 receptor agonist (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) class, which mimics the function of the GLP-1 hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by inducing insulin secretion in the body.

The GLP-1 hormone is produced by pancreatic beta cells and is known to be involved in insulin synthesis and secretion, lowering blood glucose levels, regulating gastrointestinal motility, and suppressing appetite.

According to ILDONG Pharmaceuticals, ID110521156 is a small-molecule compound with the same functions as the GLP-1 hormone. Compared to biologics such as peptides, it is relatively more stable and offers advantages in drug design, synthesis, and commercialization.

In efficacy and toxicity evaluations using disease animal models, ID110521156 demonstrated not only its effectiveness in promoting insulin secretion and blood glucose control but also superior safety compared to competing drugs in the same class.

ILDONG Pharmaceuticals plans to leverage the small-molecule characteristics of ID110521156 to develop it as an oral treatment. The drug is expected to exhibit high manufacturing efficiency and marketability while providing convenience for patients, differentiating it from existing treatments.

Currently, Unovia is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the drug candidate's tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Based on the progress of clinical development, the company plans to target type 2 diabetes and obesity as therapeutic indications.

ILDONG Pharmaceuticals has completed patent registrations for ID110521156 in major markets, including South Korea, the United States, China, Japan, India, and Australia.

An ILDONG representative stated, "We have secured patent rights for the drug substance in key global markets to ensure favorable conditions for commercialization." The company also revealed plans to simultaneously pursue licensing-out, open innovation, and other strategic business partnerships alongside the development of the drug candidate.