Rznomics Clears Tech Assessment, Begins KOSDAQ Listing

Rznomics, an innovative company specializing in ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based gene therapy, has passed the technology evaluation, a crucial hurdle for KOSDAQ technology special listing, with the highest possible rating (A, A), signaling a green light for its listing. In particular, Rznomics plans to leverage the 'Super-Gap Technology Special Listing (Deep Tech)' system with the goal of entering KOSDAQ in the first half of next year, and will commence the full-scale process starting in the second half of this year. This technology evaluation is the result of comprehensive verification by specialized evaluation agencies designated by the Korea Exchange, covering technology completeness, competitive advantage, commercialization level, and marketability. Rznomics was recognized for its excellence in this evaluation, perfectly meeting the requirements of the Deep Tech track, which allows advanced and strategic technology companies based on science and technology to apply for preliminary listing review with a single technology evaluation. In May 2024, Rznomics was recognized as the "No. 1 National Strategic Technology Company" by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning, and in September, it was designated as a 'National Strategic Technology Holding and Management Company,' giving it a unique status. Should it succeed in listing on KOSDAQ through this track, it will hold the symbolic significance of being the first case of a super-gap special listing among national strategic technology companies managed by the government. Founded in 2017 by CEO Seong-wook Lee, Rznomics centers its core technology on an RNA editing/correction platform based on RNA trans-splicing ribozyme, and is developing innovative anti-cancer drugs and treatments for rare and intractable diseases. CEO Seong-wook Lee has dedicated over 20 years to research on RNA trans-splicing ribozyme, building proprietary technological expertise. The flagship pipeline, 'RZ-001', an anti-cancer gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and glioblastoma, is currently progressing smoothly through Phase 1b/2 and Phase 1/2a clinical trials in Korea and the United States, and its potential has been recognized through Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Notably, for glioblastoma patients for whom there are no adequate treatments, it is being supplied through an Expanded Access Program (EAP), offering hope. Furthermore, 'RZ-004', a treatment for hereditary retinitis pigmentosa, has received Phase 1 clinical trial approval in Australia and has begun patient recruitment, accelerating pipeline expansion. Rznomics' global competitiveness has already been proven. Last May, it signed a strategic global license agreement with the world-renowned pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company for the development of RNA editing therapeutics, showcasing the excellence and commercialization potential of its platform technology worldwide. It is expanding its domain beyond RNA trans-splicing ribozyme technology to circular RNA platforms, and is actively conducting joint research and technology verification with various companies. Even amidst a challenging bio-investment environment, Rznomics successfully raised 20.3 billion won in Pre-IPO series funding from leading investment institutions such as KB Investment and Samsung Venture Investment in the second half of last year, once again confirming the strong market trust and growth potential it holds. CEO Seong-wook Lee stated, "Passing this technology evaluation is a result of officially recognizing Rznomics' unique RNA-based technology and limitless growth potential," adding, "We will leverage the KOSDAQ listing as a stepping stone to establish a stable business foundation, and rise as a leading company in the global RNA editing field."