In 2019, Bukwang Pharmaceutical initiated its investment in ProteKt Therapeutics, an Israel-based company, marking the beginning of a significant partnership. Fast forward to January 2023, ProteKt Therapeutics has become an integral subsidiary of Bukwang Pharmaceutical. At the heart of ProteKt's mission is the relentless pursuit of innovative PKR (Protein Kinase R) Inhibitors designed to revolutionize the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
PKR Inhibitor is a novel therapeutic approach that targets several key pathways contributing to neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. PKR plays a role in various pathways, including the integrated stress response, leading to neuronal degeneration and inflammation. Notably, increased activation of PKR has been observed in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment
Currently, ProteKt’s the main program is in lead optimization stage and a retrospective biomarker clinical study is also underway concurrently.
This comprehensive effort aims to unlock the full potential of PKR inhibitors to maximize clinical outcome in those affected by these complex and challenging conditions.