- Joint development of rare neurological disease treatment planned
- Clinical development planned in 2018 through synergy of the two companies

(Jan 8, 2018) SK Biopharmaceuticals (CEO Jeong Woo Cho, www.skbp.com) announced on July 7th that they have established a joint venture with Glycyx Therapeutics Ltd. (CEO Dr. Lorin K. Johnson, Glycyx) to develop Relenopride as a treatment for rare neurological diseases.
After the establishment of the JV Corporation between SK Biopharmaceuticals and Glycyx, plan is to attract investors and conduct clinical development in 2018. 

Glycyx, founded by Dr. Lorin K. Johnson (founder of Salix Pharmaceuticals), has a keen understanding and expertise in the rare neurological disease market and new drug development in the US and Europe. 

CEO ,Jeong Woo Cho (SK Biopharmaceuticals) said, "SK Biopharmaceuticals has consistently focused on the research and development of central nervous system, and Glycyx has highly valued the possibility and the marketability of Relenopride as a treatment for the rare neurological diseases,” and added "we anticipate great synergy with Glycyx, which combines expertise in clinical development and FDA negotiating capabilities." 

Meanwhile, in December of 2017, SK Biopharmaceuticals has filed for NDA to commercialize the new drug SKL-N05 (treatment on wakefulness and sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is expected to commercialize it in 2019. Additionally, Cenobamate (a novel new antiepileptic drug) is currently in Phase III clinical trial and plans to apply to the FDA are progressing. 

SK has been investing steadily for more than over 20 years with a belief that the development of new drugs will be important mission for future generations as well as key growth driver in the future. SK Biopharmaceuticals has been leading the development of innovative drugs targeting the global market and plans to leap to become a global FIPCO (fully integrated pharmaceutical company) through the achievement of new drug commercialization. 

*Dr. Lorin K. Johnson has founded Salix Pharmaceuticals 25 years ago and sold it to Valeant Pharmaceuticals (a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company) around $11 bn in 2015. He has since established Glycyx and is currently focusing on new drug development.