1 in 10 adults estimated to have chronic pain disorders... expected to increase further in super-aged society
Aiming to provide new options in the pain treatment market with 'ion channel-targeted therapeutics'
[BioTimes] The number of chronic pain patients is increasing worldwide. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) estimates that 20% of adults worldwide, and the Korean Pain Society estimates that 1 in 10 Korean adults suffer from chronic pain. Some predict that as society transitions from an aging to a super-aged society, the number of chronic pain patients will increase further.
The problem is that while pain treatment using narcotic or non-narcotic analgesics shows generally good efficacy, the indications are not specialized, resulting in low clinical effectiveness. In particular, with increasing cases of dizziness, drowsiness, narcotic analgesic addiction, and misuse/abuse, new approaches to pain treatment are being demanded.
RudaCure focused on the fundamental causes of pain while minimizing side effects. The company aims to provide a new paradigm for the pain treatment market with 'ion channel-targeted therapeutics.'
We met with RudaCure CEO Yongho Kim, who is developing a drug targeting the TRPV1 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1) ion channel that directly modulates pain-related ion channels in sensory neurons.
Q: Please introduce the company briefly.
A: RudaCure was founded in 2018 and is developing new drugs targeting the TRPV1 ion channel, which plays a core role in pain signal transmission. TRPV1 is the most validated target in the pain field, and while many large pharmaceutical companies have attempted development, achieving efficacy while managing side effects has been a chronic challenge. We are developing next-generation treatments that overcome this through our proprietary approach.
Q: What are the main pipelines?
A: Our main pipelines are 'RCI001,' a dry eye disease treatment, and 'RCI002,' a non-narcotic analgesic. RCI001 indirectly modulates TRPV1 downstream signals to suppress inflammation, rapidly restoring both signs and symptoms of dry eye within 4 weeks. We recently obtained FDA Phase 2 IND approval, allowing us to begin clinical trials in the US. RCI002 simultaneously targets both TRPV1 and MOR to achieve dual analgesic effects, showing efficacy at very low doses without the addiction risk of narcotic analgesics.
Q: What differentiates you from competitors?
A: Unlike conventional TRPV1 antagonists that directly block the channel and cause side effects like body temperature elevation, our drugs indirectly modulate the TRPV1 downstream pathway to maintain safety while maximizing efficacy. This is the biggest differentiator. Also, our AI-based drug development platform 'RuCIA' enables efficient development cycles.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: We plan to proceed with Phase 2 clinical trials for RCI001 in the US and Korea, and advance RCI002 to Phase 1 clinical trials. We are also pursuing global technology transfers and are in discussions with multiple overseas pharmaceutical companies. Our mid-to-long-term goal is an IPO by 2027.