Enzychem Lifesciences Signs MOU with Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences to Jointly Develop Radiation-Induced Dermatitis Treatment

Enzychem Lifesciences announced on August 4 that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) for joint research on a treatment for radiation-induced dermatitis. Based on their respective research capabilities and expertise, the two parties will explore the feasibility of developing a treatment for radiation-induced dermatitis and advance joint new drug research.

Radiation-induced dermatitis is one of the most common treatment-related side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, manifesting as skin erythema, pain, itching, and peeling. In severe cases, it can delay or interrupt radiotherapy schedules, not only reducing patients' quality of life but also negatively affecting the treatment process. The treatment has recently drawn significant attention in the rapidly growing global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector of "Cancer Supportive Care" — a therapeutic approach that goes beyond cancer treatment itself, aiming to improve patients' quality of life and increase treatment adherence by preventing and alleviating side effects during the treatment process. With the increasing number of cancer patients and the expanding application of radiation therapy, the number of patients with radiation-induced dermatitis has been rising steadily each year. However, current treatment remains limited to symptomatic relief using moisturizers and topical steroids, with a lack of effective preventive or therapeutic options, leading to growing clinical demand for new treatments.

In this joint research, Enzychem Lifesciences will be responsible for formulating development strategies, leveraging its extensive experience in new drug development and productization capabilities, while the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences will contribute its expertise and research experience in radiobiological and life sciences, taking charge of efficacy studies. Based on the research outcomes, the two parties will progressively explore possibilities for subsequent research and development collaboration. Notably, this partnership builds upon the collaborative relationship previously established through joint research on gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS), marking an expansion of the collaboration scope into the field of radiotherapy side effects.

Son Ki-young, CEO of Enzychem Lifesciences, stated: "Radiation-induced dermatitis is a representative area of unmet medical need that occurs frequently during cancer treatment but lacks effective treatment options. Through this collaboration with the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, we will explore the development potential of novel therapeutics and continue to advance R&D efforts that contribute to improving patients' quality of life."