[Edaily Reporter Park Jung-Soo ] GENOLUTION INC.(225220)announced on the 30th that it had been selected for the “Shoulder-to-Shoulder Partner” program—a support initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies operated by the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT)—and signed a partnership agreement at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology on the 29th.
The “Shoulder-to-Shoulder Enterprise” program supports the technology development and commercialization of promising domestic biotech companies by leveraging the research infrastructure and non-clinical and toxicological evaluation capabilities of the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT). Selected companies receive support for non-clinical testing, toxicological evaluation, regulatory advisory services, and joint research.
GENOLUTION INC. is developing next-generation biomaterials and applied technologies using RNA-based technology and is conducting R&D based on a core patent portfolio for dsRNA-based crop protection agents designed to suppress plant viruses. With this selection, the company plans to strengthen the scientific foundation necessary for the R&D and commercialization of dsRNA crop protection agents, including ecotoxicology, off-target effects, mechanism of action, safety assessments, and the development of registration strategies.
dsRNA-based crop protection agents are next-generation, eco-friendly crop protection technologies that utilize RNA interference (RNAi) technology to selectively inhibit only the genes of specific pathogens or pests. As biological agents employing a novel mode of action, systematic verification of ecosystem safety, effects on non-target organisms, stability and degradability in the environment, and target specificity is required for commercialization and product registration.
GENOLUTION INC. intends to collaborate with the National Institute of Toxicology to establish a non-clinical and safety evaluation system at an early stage and strengthen its regulatory response capabilities for RNA-based crop protection products. Additionally, through joint research and technical consulting, the company plans to gradually secure the data necessary for domestic and international product registration and accelerate commercialization.
GENOLUTION INC. official stated, “We expect that being selected as a ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ partner will serve as a significant turning point in advancing the non-clinical and safety evaluation system for RNA-based crop protection products and securing the verification foundation necessary for product registration,” adding, “Through collaboration with the National Institute of Toxicology, we will systematically secure the data required for domestic and international product registration and commercialization.”