Grape King is actively developing an innovative probiotic strain that, according to recently published data, can enhance the expression of the broad-spectrum antiviral ISG15 gene by twofold. Dr. Jin-Chu Chen, Grape King's R&D General Manager, stated that they will evaluate pushing this strain into human clinical trials, aiming to develop the world's first enterovirus drug.
Grape King highlighted that Taiwan is still experiencing an enterovirus outbreak, with over 160,000 confirmed cases among children, leading to a record 2,000 class suspensions, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As summer approaches, the likelihood of infection may rise due to increased opportunities for children to visit public places or participate in various summer activities.
In recent years, Grape King has secured three patents for using probiotics to combat enteroviruses. Subsequent animal experiments revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum, a native Taiwanese strain, significantly enhances resistance to enteroviruses. Consequently, Grape King is the only company in the past decade to obtain probiotic-related patents for enterovirus applications.
Grape King reported that this pioneering probiotic strain can increase the expression of the immune-activating OASL1 gene by 2.6 times, demonstrating antiviral properties that directly inhibit enterovirus growth while balancing the body's immune response.
Dr. Jin-Chu Chen stated that in addition to enteroviruses, Grape King's innovative probiotic strain also enhances the expression of the broad-spectrum antiviral ISG15 gene by twofold. He explained that the relevant results are currently being drafted for scientific journals. These findings will be used to support an application for human clinical trials to the Clinical Trial Committee, with a potential progression into the pharmaceutical market, aiming to create the world's first enterovirus drug for children.
Grape King noted that while Taiwan's biotech industry is flourishing with many listed companies developing various biotech products to capture market opportunities, there have been few breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of enteroviruses. Grape King is a pioneer in researching probiotics against enteroviruses in Taiwan, investing over a billion dollars annually in research.
Dr. Jin-Chu Chen mentioned that Grape King had identified key strains capable of inhibiting viral activity and activating the immune system as early as 2019, gaining recognition with an invention patent. They then proceeded to the second phase of active enterovirus strain infection protection testing. Lactobacillus plantarum, the native Taiwanese strain, was isolated from dairy samples collected from Taiwan's Lishan indigenous communities.
Grape King's research achievements have been recognized with three gold medals and one special award at the 2022 INOVA International Invention Exhibition in Croatia, the 2022 IIIC International Innovation Invention Competition, and the 2023 WiC World Invention Competition in Korea. The discovery of the new strain is a significant breakthrough in biotechnology and will help the public resist the damage caused by enteroviruses, ushering in a new era for Taiwan's biotechnology industry.
Resource (mandarin): 葡萄王腸病毒新藥 邁步
