Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has awarded Professor Jeong Beom Kim, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology for his recent research and development efforts in finding prospective cures for the patients with spinal cord injury.

Professor Kim has established a biotech venture, called SuPine Therapeutics Co., Ltd. where he promotes the commercialization of the treatment patch in treating patients with spinal cord injuries. SuPine Patch is a type of adhesive hydrogel patches with the purpose of regenerating the damaged spinal cords. It can be attached directly onto the damaged areas, following removal of bone fragments and this further prevents secondary spinal cord injuries.

This revolutionary patch technology is currently in a state that can proceed to Phase III clinical trials, as it contains FDA-approved materials for spinal cord regeneration. Besides, the therapeutic effectiveness of the patch has been also successfully tested in preclinical trials, using spinal cord injury animal models.