#South Korea #Seoul #Patent #Osteoarthritis #Darnatein

Darnatein Expands Intellectual Property Rights for Innovative Osteoarthritis Treatment

Darnatein, a subsidiary of OSR Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSRH), has announced a significant milestone in its journey toward advancing treatments for osteoarthritis (OA). On April 9, 2025, Darnatein revealed that it has successfully obtained an international patent for its revolutionary protein-based treatment technology, positioning the company for enhanced growth in the global market.

Securing Patents in Key Markets

The focal point of this patent is the Activin/BMP7 Chimera Protein Technology, which Darnatein has registered with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). This marks a pivotal achievement as it is the company’s first international patent registration, following its earlier success in South Korea. This strategic move is part of Darnatein's effort to secure intellectual property rights in major regions through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), targeting significant markets like the EU and the United States.

Innovative Approach to Osteoarthritis Treatment

Darnatein’s approach utilizes an AI-enhanced protein structure generator aimed at developing therapeutics designed to address the limitations of traditional osteoarthritis treatments that primarily focus on symptom management. Notably, the lead drug candidate DRT-101 exemplifies this innovative technology. By recombining natural BMP7 and Activin proteins, DRT-101 aims not only to alleviate symptoms but also to target the underlying causes of osteoarthritis.

Studies conducted at the University of California, San Diego, between 2020 and 2024 have demonstrated that the chimeric protein enhances both therapeutic efficacy and safety, suggesting a promising future for this treatment modality not only for OA but also for various other musculoskeletal disorders.

Global Market Trends and Potential

The osteoarthritis treatment market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by a globally aging population. Estimates indicate the market size reached approximately USD 8.9 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of about 7%, potentially reaching USD 16.1 billion by 2032. With China facing rapid population aging and increasing incidences of osteoarthritis, the potential for Darnatein’s treatments in this market is particularly noteworthy. Industry analysts highlight that Darnatein’s technology could redefine standard care practices for OA, moving beyond mere symptom relief towards a disease-modifying approach.

Senyon Choe, the CEO of Darnatein, commented, "The recent patent allows us to protect our groundbreaking protein design technology that has evolved significantly since its conception. Securing patent rights in one of the largest global markets like China is essential for our expansion and scalability across international borders."

Constance Höfer, Chief Scientific Officer of OSR Holdings, added, "This patent is a testament to the novelty of our approach in therapeutic protein design, and it significantly enhances our ability to provide innovative treatment solutions for OA patients."

Next Steps and Clinical Trials

Darnatein is currently wrapping up preclinical studies for DRT-101 and is on track to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials later this year. As the company progresses, it aims to leverage its technological strengths and robust patent portfolio to capture significant market share in the evolving landscape of osteoarthritis treatments. With the ongoing advancements in biotechnology and increasing demand for effective treatments, Darnatein is poised to make a notable impact in the global healthcare arena.

About Darnatein

Established in 2012, Darnatein is a biotherapeutics firm based in South Korea, committed to developing innovative treatments to combat osteoarthritis and promote bone fusion. DRT-101 is hailed as a revolutionary candidate in the category of disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs). Founded by Dr. Senyon Choe, a prominent figure in the field of structural protein research, Darnatein became a wholly-owned subsidiary of OSR Holdings in 2023, further enhancing its capabilities and resources.

About OSR Holdings, Inc.

OSR Holdings, Inc. is dedicated to driving biomedical innovation, specializing in oncology immunotherapies and degenerative disease biologics. The organization aspires to acquire innovative healthcare companies, focusing on enhancing patient care through cutting-edge research and development.

For more information, please visit www.OSR-Holdings.com.