HanAll Biopharma and Turn Biotechnologies Partner to Develop Eye and Ear Disease Treatments

HanAll Biopharma Co., Ltd., a global biopharmaceutical company, has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Turn Biotechnologies, Inc. This new venture allows HanAll to utilize Turn Bio's Epigenetic Reprogramming of Aging (ERATM) technology to develop treatments for ophthalmic and otic diseases. This partnership builds on the initial investment HanAll made in Turn Bio in 2022, aiming to explore innovative therapies for age-related conditions in the eye and ear.

HanAll plans to integrate its expertise in ophthalmic and otic diseases with Turn Bio's cellular reprogramming technology. This collaboration is expected to leverage synergies between the two companies, particularly in the fields where HanAll possesses significant therapeutic knowledge and experience. Utilizing Turn Bio's mRNA transcription factors and lipid nanoparticles, the agreement seeks to create groundbreaking medicines for treating age-related eye and ear disorders.

Aging mitigation and cell reprogramming technologies are increasingly recognized for their potential to meet the high unmet needs in age-related disorders. HanAll has been exploring these technologies through various collaborations and a global network, aiming to develop effective treatments where current options are limited. The ERA™ technology from Turn Bio employs a cocktail of mRNA transcription factors to reverse aspects of cellular aging, restoring youthful cell function without altering the cell's original identity. This method addresses challenges faced by previous reprogramming technologies, which often risked differentiating cells into unintended types.

Currently, Turn Bio is conducting pre-clinical research in dermatology and immunology applications. The company’s ERA™ technology could revolutionize treatments for a variety of conditions associated with aging, by optimizing gene expression and restoring cells' ability to regenerate and heal. This technology has significant potential for addressing unmet needs in various medical fields.

The deal is valued at over $300 million USD for the initial product, structured around negotiated milestones. This substantial investment reflects the anticipated benefits of the partnership, which is expected to enhance HanAll's R&D capabilities in mRNA and lipid nanoparticle product development. It also provides an opportunity for HanAll to explore potential expansions in its product pipeline.

"We're excited to advance into a new phase of development with Turn Bio, exploring the potential of its innovative platform in addressing important age-related conditions," said Sean Jeong, M.D., MBA, CEO of HanAll Biopharma. "This partnership will enhance HanAll's R&D capabilities in mRNA and LNP product development while providing an opportunity for pipeline expansion."

Anja Krammer, CEO of Turn Bio, added, "This agreement is a testament to the vast opportunities ahead globally as the world's population grows older. HanAll's commitment recognizes that our innovative ERA™ technology can revolutionize treatments for myriad conditions associated with aging."

HanAll Biopharma, a company with a significant presence in Korea, the USA, Japan, and Indonesia, is dedicated to introducing innovative medicines to address severe unmet medical needs. Over the years, HanAll has developed a range of pharmaceutical products targeting endocrine, circulatory, and urologic diseases and has expanded its focus to immunology, oncology, neurology, and ophthalmology.

Turn Biotechnologies, a pre-clinical-stage company, focuses on cellular repair and developing transformative drug delivery systems using proprietary mRNA-based ERA™ reprogramming technology. This technology aims to restore optimal gene expression by countering the effects of aging in the epigenome, potentially restoring cells' ability to prevent or treat diseases and regenerate tissue.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in the development of new therapies for age-related conditions, leveraging the combined strengths of HanAll Biopharma and Turn Biotechnologies to create innovative solutions for patients worldwide.