GNT Pharma and SeleMix Begin Development of the World’s First Integrated Platform for Pet Dementia Diagnosis and Treatment

GNT Pharma, a new drug development company, and SeleMix, a genomic analysis specialist, have embarked on a strategic joint development to usher in the world's first era of early diagnosis and customized treatment for pet dementia.

On July 27, GNT Pharma and SeleMix announced that they have signed a joint development agreement for the “discovery of RNA biomarkers and development of an NGS-based molecular diagnostic platform for the diagnosis of dementia in pet dogs and cats.”

Under the agreement, the two companies will identify blood RNA biomarkers in pet dogs and cats suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS/FCDS), and will jointly develop an NGS-based molecular diagnostic platform that enables early detection of dementia through a simple blood test. Additionally, the companies plan to establish an integrated precision medicine solution capable of early diagnosis, evaluating disease severity, selecting patients for treatment, and predicting therapeutic responses.

Gwak Byungju, CEO of GNT Pharma (right), and Kim Hyoki, Co-CEO of Selemics, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a strategic joint development agreement to pioneer the world's first era of early diagnosis and personalized treatment for pet dementia. GNT Pharma

GNT Pharma will provide clinical data, blood samples of pets with dementia, and domestic and international clinical networks, and will be responsible for global commercialization. SeleMix will lead the discovery of RNA biomarkers, the development of NGS diagnostic panels and AI-based analysis algorithms, as well as regulatory approvals and manufacturing. The core intellectual property (IP) secured through this joint research will be jointly owned by both companies and the commercialized profits will also be shared.

Meanwhile, the patent for the use of crisdesalazine, the main ingredient in Jedacure, for treating cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs has been approved in both Korea and Canada. This further strengthens Jedacure's global patent portfolio and is expected to accelerate its overseas licensing and commercialization efforts.

Crisdesalazine is an innovative new drug with both free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Non-clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in inhibiting amyloid and tau pathology and protecting nerve cells, while clinical trials and post-marketing studies have confirmed its effectiveness in improving symptoms and slowing the progression of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs.

Jedacure, the world's first and Korea's first dual-target drug approved for canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in 2021, is currently prescribed at over 2,300 animal hospitals in Korea.

To advance global commercialization, GNT Pharma plans to obtain US and European regulatory approvals for Jedacure by 2028 in collaboration with Chanelle Pharma, Europe's largest animal health contract development and manufacturing organization, and Knoll Animal Health, a global expert in animal health regulatory affairs.

Pet Dog Dementia Treatment 'ZedaCure'. GNT Pharma

GNT Pharma CEO Gwak Byungjoo stated, "We will establish a precision medicine platform that combines the world's first pet dementia treatment, Jedacure, with a blood-based RNA companion diagnostic (CDx), creating a new global standard for pet dementia diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, we aim to expand this into a precision medicine platform for human Alzheimer's disease." SeleMix CEO Kim Hyoki added, "By combining the technologies and strengths of both companies, we will develop the world's leading pet dementia diagnostic solution."

As the global pet population rapidly ages, the number of dogs suffering from dementia continues to increase. It is currently estimated that about 40 to 55 million pet dogs and cats worldwide are affected by cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

GNT Pharma stated, "This collaboration represents the world's first case of establishing a precision medicine platform that integrates pet dementia treatment with blood RNA diagnostics, and is expected to present a new business model for the global animal health market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.