On August 4, 2016, Konkuk University announced that Pharmacology Professor Chan-Young Shin of its medical school transferred technology related to agmatine, a compound that has potential to treat autistic behavior, to Korea Bio Medical Science Institute. Established in 2008 by professors at Wonkwang University specializing in Oriental medicine, the institute conducts research and development integrating both Western and Oriental medicine.
A neurodevelopment disorder, autism is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication. Approximately one in every 100 people suffers from autism, yet medication approved by the FDA does not treat its main symptoms and only helps with related symptoms. Agmatine, which functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, has the potential to treat autistic behavior.
“It is quite encouraging that Korean researchers obtained a patent using an unprecedented approach,” said Professor Shin. “Instead of the existing one-size-fits-all approach, I believe a tailored approach is needed when developing medication to treat autistic behavior following the classification of the characteristics of patients.”
Professor Shin’s patent was the first to be obtained as a potential medication to treat autism in Korea. In addition to a signing fee of 170 million won, milestone payments are expected with certain developmental benchmarks.