SK Biopharmaceuticals announces strategic alliance for drug development

A South Korean firm is working with Chinese CROs to develop its new drug formulation for treatment of depression.

A South Korean pharmaceutical company has announced a collaboration with PKU International Healthcare Group China and Shanghai Medicilon China to develop a novel drug formulation.
SK Biopharmaceuticals will work with the firms in question to develop its new small molecule, SKL-PSY, which has been developed in order to treat depression and bipolar disorder.
A number of preclinical experiments have already been completed to ascertain the efficacy of the molecule. With its preclinical development now completed thanks in part to the contract research organisation (CRO) services provided by Medicilon, clinical development is expected to start with partner firms shortly.
Typical antidepressants require between two and four weeks to become effective, but the research using animal models suggests SKL-PSY delivers therapeutic benefits at a much earlier stage in the progression of depressive and manic states.
Dr Christopher Gallen CEO and president of SK Biopharmaceuticals, said: "Through this agreement both SK Biopharmaceuticals and PKU International can achieve tremendous synergy through the combination of R&D competencies know-how and experiences that each company brings to the table."