Press Release

Institut Pasteur Korea and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology are partnering to develop treatments for global infectious diseases using ocean resources

2024-03-20
Institut Pasteur Korea and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology are partnering to develop treatments
for global infectious diseases using ocean resources


On March 12, Institut Pasteur Korea (IPK) and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for driving collaborative research on treatments for infectious diseases using ocean resources.

Both organizations aim for multidimensional collaborations in tackling infectious diseases, including joint research to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and (re)emerging viruses, investigating natural products employing drug screening technology, and exchanging academic information.


In particular, both organizations put priority on the development of treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria based on ocean resources.

Antimicrobial resistance increases the risk of death from disease and spreads resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to public health.
The burden on healthcare and society is increasing as the occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and infections increases due to various factors such as the misuse of antibiotics, people, environment, and food.

Sung Key Jang, CEO of IPK, stated, "The partnership with the KOIST opens opportunities to widely explore the potential value of ocean resources as novel drug candidates, accelerating contributions to the global efforts in treating infectious diseases."

KIOST said, "By sharing our findings on antibiotic resistance research and strengthening research cooperation with IPK, which has extensive experience in developing various new drugs, we strive to develop treatments.