iNtRON Biotechnology has announced the identification of Prophage and (non-) ORF-Jamphage from the microbiome frequently observed in long-term Pancreatic cancer survivors. This significant identification was achieved as part of ongoing PHAGERIARUS®? development project conducted by New Drug Part of the company.

PHAGERIAR US®? development project is focused on acquiring bacteriophage-derived proteins that can serve as Immune Regulators (IR). The ultimate goal is to develop phage-based immunotherapeutics capable of treating a range of immune disorders including cancer.

The project is built on the research that bacteriophages not only act as essential factors for the survival and growth of bacteria, but also play a role in regulating the immune system. In addition to the ongoing efforts to secure diverse IR candidates, the project involves with comprehensive genetic and functional analysis of disease-associated microbiomes and bacteriophages. Additionally, the project aims to elucidate the Mode of Action (MoA) of IR-related proteins derived from bacteriophages.

iNtRON has been conducting researches mainly focused on lytic bacteriophages for securing IR candidates and obtaining Open Reading Frames (ORFs) within its genomes. However, it has been discovered that a significant portion of bacteria residing in the body carry lysogenic bacteriophages (Prophage/Jamphage) in its genome. Recognizing the potential substantial role of these lysogenic phages in inducing immune responses within the body, iNtRON is actively securing genetic resources derived from Prophage/Jamphage.

The primary focus of the company lies in Colorectal cancer and Pancreatic cancer. It has been reported that patients diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer exhibit a specific microbiome in the organ, which is more prevalent in the long-term survivors (LTS) group (survival period longer than 10 years) compared to the short-term survivors (STS) group (survival period less than 5 years, median: 1.6 years).