Invion Limited (ASX: IVX) has signed a collaboration agreement with South Korean company Dr. I&B to develop Photosoft for the treatment of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
The agreement was signed after Dr.inB assessed data that showed Photosoft compounds demonstrated potent antiviral activity against multiple viruses, including Zika, Dengue and SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron and Delta variants) in-vitro.
Dr.inB is one of South Korea’s leading Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) developers and has experience in conducting studies and clinical trials for gynaecological indications. Dr.inB is backed by major pharmaceutical group Hanlim Pharma. Co., Ltd.
Under the agreement, Dr.inB will:
- Formulate and evaluate the Photosoft compounds in vitro and/or in vivo as appropriate, to demonstrate efficacy and safety.
- Conduct Proof-of-Concept (PoC) clinical trials to test safety and efficacy of the Photosoft technology in HPV patients at agreed upon gynaecology clinics in South Korea.
Invion will supply Photosoft compounds to Dr.inB, who will then conduct the studies in South Korea. Invion retains all benefits and rights to the Photosoft technology, including new Intellectual Property (IP) that may arise out of this collaboration.
The term of the agreement is for two years, which can be extended upon mutual agreement, or until the completion of the above activities, whichever is earlier. It is envisaged that Dr.inB and Invion could negotiate a commercial agreement if the evaluation and PoC trials are successful.
Approximately 34% of Korean women carry HPV2, and with vaccination rates for HPV sitting around 25%, there is still a significant unmet need in South Korea. Invion’s has exclusive rights to Photosoft for infectious diseases in the US, Canada and most of Asia and Oceania.
“We are excited to be working with Dr.inB, which has experience with PDT for HPV and have undertaken clinical trials for this indication in South Korea. Our collaboration will give us valuable data and an accelerated pathway to demonstrate the clinical potential of Photosoft in infectious diseases, such as HPV. We are confident, as is Dr.inB, in the potential of Photosoft, which is why our partner has made this investment to prove-up our technology,” Thian Chew, Invion’s Executive Chairman and CEO, said.
