IBS has committed to cooperate with the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) in developing drugs for the treatment of brain diseases. On March 21, 2019, at the IBS headquarters, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the use of advanced research equipment as well as animal and human resources.

▲ IBS has committed to cooperate with the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) in developing drugs for the treatment of brain diseases

The MOU is focused on the maximization of research capacity in research on degenerative brain diseases and related studies. Models of Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as research on dopamine-dependence, optic nerves, and neuronal regeneration will also be addressed. Specifically, cooperation will be promoted in the following areas: studies using primates, mini pigs, and rodent resources as well as related research equipment; the development of brain disease models; studies on the activation mechanisms of brain circuits and neurons; and the development of therapeutic drugs. The MOU also contains provisions concerning collaborative research and joint publication of research papers to secure intellectual properties, as well as the creation of advanced research techniques.

Dr. C. Justin Lee, Director of the IBS Center for Cognition and Sociality (Cognitive Glioscience Group), said, “I expect that synergies will be created between IBS and KIT. This cooperation will be a great opportunity to maximize the research capacity of the two research institutions, as well as to facilitate the development of drugs for the treatment of brain diseases, which is the mid- and long-term goal of the Cognitive Glioscience Group.”

In the meanwhile, Dr. Jeong-ho Hwang, Director of the Animal Model Research Group of KIT, said, “The KIT Inhalation Safety Research Division in Jeollabuk-do Province has various animal resources as well as many years of experience and know-how in the field of toxicity research. I expect that collaborative research efforts, based on the combination of the resources and know-how of KIT and the advanced research techniques and equipment of IBS, will result in world-class research outcomes.”

▲ IBS-KIT Group Photo