The race to combat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and irreversible lung disease, is intensifying with several South Korean pharmaceutical companies making significant strides in developing novel treatments. As the global incidence of IPF rises and current therapies offer limited efficacy, these advancements represent a beacon of hope for patients and a lucrative opportunity in the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical market.
Bridge Biotherapeutics Advances BBT-877
Bridge Biotherapeutics is currently conducting a global Phase 2 clinical trial of BBT-877, a first-in-class candidate designed to selectively inhibit autotaxin, a protein implicated in fibrotic diseases. Interim data from the trial, involving 129 patients, has been encouraging. "We plan to complete the medication of patients by February next year," stated an official from Bridge Biotherapeutics, with top-line data expected in April. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) has recommended the continuation of clinical trials without safety or efficacy concerns. BBT-877 has demonstrated the ability to inhibit LPA concentration by up to 90% in Phase 1 trials. The company is actively exploring technology transfer opportunities, noting interest from nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical companies.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Versiporocin Targets Collagen Production
Daewoong Pharmaceutical is progressing with its Phase 2 clinical trial of Versiporocin (DWN12088), a drug candidate that reduces PRS protein action, thereby mitigating collagen production and subsequent fibrosis. The trial is being conducted across medical institutions in Korea and the United States, with over 60% of the targeted 102 patients already recruited. The company aims to complete Phase 2 clinical trials by 2025. Versiporocin has been granted rare drug designation by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Ildong and Hanmi Explore Novel Mechanisms
Ildong Pharmaceutical, through its subsidiary Irid BMS, is developing IL1512, which selectively targets CXCR7, a receptor involved in inflammation and fibrosis. IL1512 is slated to enter GLP toxicity testing within the year. Hanmi Pharmaceutical is exploring HM15211, initially developed for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for its potential in treating IPF. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, and HM15211 has received rare drug designation from the FDA for IPF treatment.
Market Dynamics and Existing Treatments
The current standard of care includes Boehringer Ingelheim's Ofev (nintedanib) and Ildong Pharmaceutical's Pirespa (pirfenidone), which primarily slow disease progression rather than providing a fundamental cure. This unmet need is driving the search for more effective therapies. According to Precision Business Insights, the global market for IPF treatments is projected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2024 to $7 billion by 2030. Boehringer Ingelheim is also advancing its PDE4B inhibitor, Nerandomilast (BI 1015550), which has completed Phase 3 clinical trials, although concerns remain regarding side effects. Planet Therapeutics is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials for its integrin inhibitor, Vexotegrast.
