#South Korea #Seoul #IBD treatment #CJ Bioscience #CJRB-201

CJ Bioscience Presents Innovative IBD Candidate at ECCO 2025

CJ Bioscience is gearing up to showcase groundbreaking preclinical data at the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) 2025, scheduled for February 19-22 in Berlin, Germany. Their focus is on CJRB-201, a novel therapeutic candidate aimed at addressing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This presentation comes as the company targets clinical entry for the promising new drug in 2026.

The star of the show, CJRB-201, is a proprietary strain of the bacterium Faecalibacterium, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have highlighted that this strain elicited the most substantial activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) when compared to other strains analyzed within the scope of the project. The importance of Tregs cannot be understated, as they play a pivotal role in managing immune responses.

In preclinical evaluations across various animal models, CJRB-201 has yielded remarkable results. Significant improvements in key indicators of disease have been observed, including a marked reduction in weight loss and enhancements in the disease activity index, pointing to its therapeutic potential. Appealingly, CJRB-201 offers an innovative alternative by providing results comparable to existing antibody-based therapies, yet with considerably better safety and the convenience of oral administration.

The drug candidate's development is powered by CJ Bioscience's advanced AI-driven drug discovery platform, Ez-Mx®. By analyzing an extensive array of metagenomic datasets from both IBD patients and healthy individuals, the company identified that the strain CJRB-201 was significantly diminished in patients suffering from IBD. Given the critical role of Faecalibacterium in gut health and its connection to disorders like Crohn's disease, CJRB-201's emergence as a strong candidate underscores its therapeutic promise.

Among the 60 strains assessed, it was CJRB-201 that demonstrated the most potent ability to promote Treg induction, leading to notable improvements in essential disease markers during mouse model testing. Researchers reported not only weight stability but also a reduction in inflammatory markers and histopathological improvements, reinforcing the strain's potential effectiveness compared to traditional therapies.

A spokesperson for CJ Bioscience stated, "While existing therapies for IBD heavily rely on antibody treatments, these often encounter issues with long-term use due to their administration challenges and safety concerns. CJRB-201 presents a fresh treatment paradigm that aims to integrate the benefits of antibody-level efficacy into a well-tolerated oral format."

Looking ahead, CJ Bioscience is set to commence its first human trial for CJRB-201 in 2026, following the promise shown in preclinical studies. In a bid to unlock the full therapeutic potency of their candidate, the company is also exploring dietary fibers that may facilitate improved colonization of CJRB-201 within the gut. Utilizing the SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) system, they aim to identify suitable dietary fibers while collaborating with academic experts, including Professor Jun Huh’s team at Harvard Medical School, to delve into the mechanisms of action of CJRB-201.

Established in 2022 as a subsidiary within the CJ Group umbrella, CJ Bioscience is dedicated to advancing the biopharmaceutical landscape with innovative solutions targeting microbiome health. The company emphasizes cutting-edge research combined with a commitment to addressing unmet medical needs across various diseases, notably in oncology and IBD.

Centered in Seoul, South Korea, CJ Bioscience is propelled by the rich legacy of its parent, CJ Group, which boasts a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, from food services to entertainment. As CJ Bioscience continues to push the boundaries of medical research, their developments, especially with CJRB-201, could significantly alter the treatment landscape for patients facing chronic conditions like IBD.

For more insights into their research initiatives and developments, interested parties can visit CJ Bioscience's official site.