College of Pharmacy selected for “Advanced Bio Global R&D Center” by the MSIT
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2024-10-28
The College of Pharmacy of Sookmyung Women’s University has been selected for the “Advanced Bio Global Joint R&D Project” by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and will establish an international joint research center with Ghent University in Belgium to develop treatments for refractory cancers.
This project implements the agreement on R&D cooperation in the advanced bio field between countries and supports the establishment of a sustainable foundation for collaboration with leading research institutions overseas.
The College of Pharmacy is among the 15 research projects selected by the MSIT, thereby securing a total of KRW 2.25 billion in funding over three years. With this selection, the college is expected to grow into a world-class research institution by conducting joint research with Ghent University, a prestigious, research-focused national university in Europe.
The research team at the College of Pharmacy, which includes Professors Jang Chang-young, Song Yun-seon, Kim Woo-young, Kim Yong-kee, Shin Min-wook, Kim Do-hee, and Kim Sae-gun, Byun Jun-ho will develop advanced bio technologies to target only cancer tissues, aiming to address the rapidly growing issues of RNA treatment’s cell delivery limitations and anti-cancer drug resistance post-COVID-19. An innovative approach is being applied by developing a drug carrier responsive to electric fields and loading it with RNA treatments. This was suggested based on the research team’s expertise in electric field treatment technology, RNA synthesis technology, nano carrier development technology, and anti-cancer treatment capabilities.
According to the research team, the team led by Professor Stefaan De Smedt of Ghent University, which will join the international joint research, has successfully developed and commercialized a light-responsive RNA treatment delivery technology and also possesses mRNA vaccine production capabilities. Through advanced bio networking between the College of Pharmacy and Ghent University, the research center is expected to develop novel treatments for refractory cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain tumors. As Ghent University's global campus is located in Songdo, Incheon, administrative support for exchanges between students and researchers is also expected to be smooth.
Jang Chang-young, Head of the Advanced Bio Global Joint R&D Center (Professor at the College of Pharmacy), said, “Through this international joint R&D project, we aim to develop treatments that can effectively remove cancer cells in refractory cancers, such as lung cancer and brain tumors, without systemic side effects and to overcome resistance to anticancer drugs, bringing us one step closer to conquering cancer.” Jang added, “As Korea becomes an associate member of the EU starting next year, this will mark the beginning of a consortium to participate in Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest R&D support program with a research budget of KRW 130 trillion.”
Korea is working to become the first associate member from Asia in the EU's largest R&D support program, Horizon Europe. The EU has proposed associate membership to six countries—South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and Australia—to tackle challenges beyond the capabilities of European member states and to unite strengths among nations that pursue open economies and democratic values.