Heliximith said that HX109, its prostate hyperplasia (BPH) prevention and treatment candidate, can inhibit prostate proliferation by regulating the interaction between macrophages and prostate epithelial cells.

HX109 is a plant-based treatment developed by the company's immunomodulatory research team.

BPH refers to a condition, in which prostate cells grow abnormally, causing various urination disorders as urine does not flow out smoothly as the cells press the urethra. The symptoms worsen with age, and the illness has a prevalence of more than 50 percent in men over 50. It is also one of the most important factors that deteriorate the quality of life among men.

While the leading cause of BPH is related to male hormones, recent studies have also confirmed that the prostate's inflammatory response is also a significant factor in causing the disease. Such findings have clinical implications as research has already confirmed that various inflammatory substances secreted from activated macrophages promote prostate proliferation, Helixmith said in a news release Thursday.

The research team found that HX109 can inhibit the production of macrophage inflammatory agents and control macrophages' actions and prostate epithelial cells.

While there are several pathways involved in prostatic hyperplasia, the company claims that HX109 can regulate such pathways, thereby more effectively treating prostatic hyperplasia than other treatments.

"Currently, drugs used for prostatic hyperplasia are very limited and have many side effects," said Dr. Lee Won-woo of the company’s immunity control team and the lead author of the study. "However, HX109 is composed of plant materials that have been proven to be safe, showing similar efficacy to synthetic drugs currently used."

Lee added that the company plans to develop HX109 as both an individually-recognized product and a specialized medication.

The results of the research were published in the June edition of the journal Heliyon.