Kosdaq-listed biotech firm Geno Focus said on Tuesday it has filed for patent application of its antioxidant enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase) being tested as a novel drug and its variant after it was proven effective in preventing and treating Covid-19 in animals (Syrian hamsters) in a lab test.

Geno Focus dedicated to microbiome enzyme research already demonstrated the anti-inflammatory function of SOD, an antioxidant enzyme derived from the GF423 strain, and has developed SOD variant GF-103 as a potential therapy for various conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The substance was generally recognized as safe as food additive under the U.S, GRAS provision in August, the company said.

Oxidative stress is known to be involved in coronavirus penetration into target cells, infection, progression and recovery of inflammation, and regulation of the immune system.

The latest study was conducted by Agency for Defense Development`s biosafety lab on Sirian hamsters infected with coronavirus. Test results showed a significant decrease in lung damage in both prevention and treatment groups after SOD administration, suggesting its possibility as a cure for acute respiratory distress syndrome that occurs after infection.

The company said it aims to launch the substance as a prophylactic in Korean and U.S. markets as it has already been proven safe as a food additive.

Geno Focus shares finished Tuesday up 0.2 percent at 9,920 won ($8.92).

By Pulse

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]