Huons has begun full-fledged Phase 2 clinical trials of “HUC1-394,” a peptide-based new drug candidate for the treatment of dry eye disease. The company expects that this candidate, through a mechanism of action different from existing therapies, will be able to modulate inflammatory responses and promote the recovery of damaged tissue.

Huons announced on the 3rd that it has completed enrollment of the first patient in its Phase 2 clinical trial of the dry eye treatment candidate “HUC1-394.”

The trial will enroll 150 patients with dry eye disease at major medical institutions in Korea, including Severance Hospital of Yonsei University College of Medicine. Using a multicenter, randomized, double-blind design, the study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug.

HUC1-394 is a peptide-based ophthalmic solution introduced by Huons from Novacell Technology. It employs a mechanism that activates formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), which is involved in the resolution of inflammation in the body. As a peptide-based drug, it is expected to lower the potential for toxicity and adverse events compared to existing therapies and to improve safety and treatment adherence.

In this Phase 2 trial, the efficacy and safety of HUC1-394 will be systematically verified to determine whether it can overcome the limitations of current treatments.

After completing the last patient last visit (LPLV) in the second half of next year, Huons plans to release a clinical study report and, if efficacy and safety are confirmed, proceed to Phase 3 clinical trials.

Park Kyung-mi, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D at Huons, said, “Starting with the enrollment of the first patient in Phase 2, we will work closely with the research team to accelerate development,” adding, “We will do our utmost to provide a new therapeutic option for patients with dry eye disease.”

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