Orand Bio (CEO Dong-geun Han), a biomaterial-based convergence medical device company, has been selected for the "Deep Tech TIPS Fast Track," a technology startup support program hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Selected through investment and recommendation from Genaxis (CEO Mi-kyung Son), the operator and accelerator of TIPS, Orand Bio will receive KRW 1.5 billion in government research and development (R&D) funding over the next three years to accelerate the development of cutting-edge medical devices.
This selected project, "Development of an Innovative Medical Device for Restoring Kidney Function in Pets and Humans Using Advanced Biocompatible, High-Performance Scaffolds," focuses on developing alternative treatment technologies that overcome the limitations of existing hemodialysis and kidney transplant treatments and restore damaged kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one in ten adults worldwide, and in Korea, it is known to require more treatment costs than cancer and dementia. In particular, early intervention treatment technologies targeting patients with some remaining function before end-stage renal failure are attracting attention as an important alternative that can delay or replace dialysis and transplantation.
"CharmRenal," currently under development by Orland Bio, is an implantable medical device utilizing biocompatible scaffold technology based on a biodegradable polymer. It promotes regeneration of kidney tissue and promotes functional recovery. Small animal experiments have shown that kidney function recovered from 15% to 30-50%, equivalent to a normal human function. The technology is planned to be expanded for use in companion animals and humans. In particular, demand for related medical devices is rapidly increasing in the dog and cat markets, where kidney disease is a leading cause of death.
Through this project, Orland Bio will pursue preclinical trials and commercialization of companion animal products. For human products, Orland Bio plans to gradually advance GLP-based preclinical trials, develop GMP manufacturing technology, establish country-specific regulatory strategies, and lay the groundwork for global expansion. The companion animal product is targeted for domestic launch in 2029 and international launch in 2031, while the human product is slated for domestic launch in 2031 and international launch in 2034 or later.
Regarding the selection of Orland Bio's DeepTech TIPS, GenAxis stated, "This is a technology that can overcome the limitations of existing treatment methods centered on hemodialysis and kidney transplantation," and added, "We expect meaningful results in the global market based on our biomaterial-based scaffold technology and our capabilities in converging regenerative medicine."
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