HK inno.N said it has entered into an agreement with Novacell Technology, a local peptide immunotherapy developer, to acquire a novel immunotherapeutic drug candidate.

The agreement enables HK inno.N to further expand its immunotherapy pipeline, which addresses the rising demand for immune-focused treatments in an aging population with weakened immune function.

However, HK inno.N did not unveil the details of the agreement, citing contractual reasons.

The newly acquired drug candidate is a next-generation synthetic peptide that functions as an FPR2 (formyl peptide receptor 2) agonist, enhancing the body’s ability to control excessive immune responses. HK inno.N aims to leverage the candidate’s inflammation-suppressing and cell regeneration properties to develop treatments for a range of inflammatory conditions, including ophthalmic, dermatologic, and respiratory diseases.

“With the aging population, we are witnessing an increase in the incidence of infectious and autoimmune diseases due to declining immune functions,” HK inno.N Drug Research Center Director Kim Bong-tae said. “We are committed to securing the efficacy and safety of this drug candidate as we strengthen our immune disease pipeline.”

Novacell Technology CEO Lee Tae-hoon also emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership provides a gateway for their next-generation "PEPTIROID" compounds to enter the global market.

“This opportunity not only enhances the value of our candidate through our joint development with HK inno.N but also sets the stage for additional technology transfers and valuation assessments by global pharmaceutical companies,” Lee said. “This collaboration aligns with our ambitions for a successful Kosdaq listing next year.”