Newsletter | Vol.3

AI Regeneration Platform for Veterinary

Introduction

A Decade of Alarming Growth in Dogs and Cats: 66% increase in dogs and 150% increase in cats

Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is a condition characterized by the progressive inflammation of joints due to the deterioration of cartilage. Normally, in a healthy joint, cartilage serves as a cushion that enables smooth movement throughout the joint’s full range of motion. However, in cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion starts to deteriorate, typically due to factors such as aging, injury, repetitive stress, or underlying diseases. The loss of this protective cushion leads to symptoms like pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and the formation of bone spurs. While osteoarthritis can potentially affect any joint in the body, it most frequently impacts the extremities and the lower spine.

According to Banfield Pet Hospital®’s research, there has been a notable increase in OA cases, with a 66% increase in dogs and a 150% increase in cats over the past decade.

Source: Banfield Pet Hospital. "Osteoarthritis: When Age Is Not to Blame." 2019 State of Pet Health Report; https://www.banfield.com/en/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2019/banfield-pet-hospitals-ninth-annual-state-of-pet

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis can affect dogs of any breed, particularly as they grow older. However, several factors can increase the likelihood of your dog developing this condition, including:

Larger breeds, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.
Obesity.
Age, especially in middle-aged to senior dogs.
Repetitive stress from activities like agility, flyball, or diving.
Prior injuries like fractures or ligament tears.
A previous diagnosis of hip or elbow dysplasia.
Joint infections, such as Lyme Disease.
Poor nutritional habits.
Incorrect body structure (conformation).
Genetic predisposition.

Clinical Signs

Stiffness
Limping
Difficulty with stairs
Loss of interest to walk/play
Difficulty getting up
Increase of irritability in response to the pain

Sources: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/ , https://www.banfield.com/en/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2019/banfield-pet-hospitals-ninth-annual-state-of-pet#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20report%2C%20Banfield,turn%2C%20worsen%20the%20joint%20condition.

Checklist

Is your companion animal showing signs of OA-related pain?

This checklist is designed to assist your veterinary team in recognizing the activities and behaviors exhibited by your pet that could potentially be indicative of osteoarthritis (OA), a painful degenerative joint disease. Think about your companion animal’s activity in the past week and check all of the signs that you’ve observed in your companion animal.

Questionnaire Reference: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist-cat

*This questionnaire is not a medical diagnostic tool and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. Discuss medical concerns with your veterinarian.

AI Vet Regeneration Platform

Pioneering Advances in Companion Animal Treatment: A Promising AI Vet Regeneration Platform Begins

ROKIT Healthcare (CEO You Seok-hwan), a company specializing in organ regeneration, is exploring the companion animal regeneration treatment market using the organ regeneration medical device “Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit” developed through the convergence technology of artificial intelligence (AI) and bioprinting.

In partnership with Harvard Medical School (MGH, Boston) in a series of clinical trials, ROKIT Healthcare validated the feasibility of regenerative treatments for animals and subsequently introduced the AI Vet Regeneration Platform. Currently, ROKIT’s ‘AI Vet Regen Kit’ has obtained approval as an animal medical device in South Korea since August 2023. It has been facilitating the expansion of the companion animal regenerative treatment market, both domestically and internationally, by leveraging its established track record of safety and efficacy.

► Revolutionizing Veterinary Skin Regeneration: ROKIT Healthcare’s Innovative Approach

ROKIT Healthcare is targeting the treatment of skin defects as its primary focus when applying its innovative technology to companion animals. Just like humans, animals face challenges in regenerating their skin following injuries, burns, and surgical procedures involving the removal of substantial skin tissue. Traditionally, treatments for skin conditions in companion animals, such as burns, often relied on approaches like sugar therapy and off-the-shelf patches. In cases requiring surgical skin excision, skin grafting was a common practice, utilizing tissue from other areas. Unfortunately, this procedure imposed additional pain on animals during the process. In contrast, by employing ‘Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit,’ a method that stimulates regeneration using fat derived from animal’s own body, it is possible to reduce both the inflammatory response and the time required for regeneration compared to conventional treatments.

► Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit Offers Hope for Companion Animal Cartilage and Patellar Dislocation Recovery

In a noteworthy development, ‘Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit’ is proving to be a promising solution for companion animal owners grappling with cartilage and patellar dislocation issues. With the rising trend of companion animals living indoors, incidents of patellar dislocations have surged, along with an uptick in animals experiencing cartilage damage. In a recent investigation into the potential of ‘Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit’ addressing these conditions, researchers were able to confirm remarkable cartilage regeneration within the affected areas, heralding new prospects for companion animal recovery.

Image Source: ROKIT Healthcare, Regeneration Patch transplantation in process

AI Vet Regeneration Platform

Path to Global Prominence: AI Vet Regeneration Platform Takes the Lead

The convergence of groundbreaking technologies like AI-driven wound detection, patient-tailored wound patches, and the minimization of hospitalization risks with same-day procedures, positions ROKIT’s AI Vet regeneration platform as a truly innovative medical technology marked by stability and vast potential. In contrast to conventional approaches, ROKIT’s AI Vet Regeneration Platform features:

AI-Powered Scanning Software: Employing deep learning, this software is capable of detecting wounds, segmenting them, and digitally assessing their dimensions. It streamlines the entire process, from capturing wound images to creating 3D printable files, relieving healthcare professionals from the burdensome tasks of 3D modeling and slicing prior to utilizing the 3D bioprinter.
Customized 3D-Printed Patches: The platform produces personalized patches for patients’ wounds on-site, as each patch is 3D printed to seamlessly fit the wound like a puzzle piece. This precise fit optimizes the alignment of wound edges, expediting the healing process and achieving complete closure.
Autologus Veterinary Bioink: The process involves extracting a small volume of adipose tissue after a minor incision, posing minimal risk of hospitalization or immune rejection. It’s an autologous, same-day procedure that typically concludes within an hour.

► Expanding Global Footprint: Innovating Veterinary Regeneration and International Engagement

Following the successful acquisition of authorization for veterinary medical devices in Korea, ROKIT Healthcare officially entered the veterinary regeneration treatment market starting on August 23. Furthermore, it is actively expanding into the global market by conducting clinical trials focused on veterinary skin and cartilage regeneration in collaboration with the globally renowned Dr. Petazzoni from Italy. Additionally, ROKIT Healthcare has scheduled further clinical trials to commence in October, in partnership with Marseille Hospital in France.

There are upcoming initiatives in the pipeline as ROKIT Healthcare seeks to broaden its horizons. They are set to unveil their AI Vet regeneration platform to veterinarians at the KSVC(Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics) conference that is scheduled to run for two days, commencing on October 14th at EXCO(3rd Floor), Daegu. Following this, ROKIT Healthcare will extend their outreach to the global market by participating in GITEX(Gulf Information Technology Exhibition), the largest IT expo in Middle East Asia, scheduled for October 16th to 20th in Dubai, UAE. This involvement in GITEX demonstrates ROKIT Healthcare’s proactive strategy for broadening its global footprint, extending beyond South Korea to encompass various international markets.

AI Vet Regeneration Platform

Veterinary Doctor's Perspective: Exploring the Benefits of AI Vet Regeneration Platform

In June of last year, ROKIT Healthcare forged a strategic alliance with WOW Animal Medical Center, operated by Huvet in Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. Both parties entered into a collaborative agreement to introduce a state-of-the-art companion animal regenerative treatment platform. This partnership paved the way for the provision of cutting-edge technology, including the ‘Dr. INVIVO AI Vet Regen Kit’ and the 3D Bio Printer, ‘Dr. INVIVO’. With these advancements, WOW Animal Medical Center is poised to become a key hub for implementing the AI Vet Regeneration Platform, primarily serving the Jeollabuk-do region and neighboring areas. Their shared mission is to enhance the well-being of companion animals and contribute to their long-term health. The following is an interview with Oh Hong-geun, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, CEO) of WOW Animal Medical Center.

Q1. What made you decide using our ROKIT Healthcare’s AI VET Regen Platform?

A: One of the primary advantages of 3D bioprinting is its ability to produce patient-specific solutions. In veterinary medicine, where animals vary in size and anatomy, this can be particularly beneficial. 3D bioprinting allows for the creation of custom implants, prosthetics, and surgical guides tailored to an individual animal’s needs. That’s why I decided to use it for a try.

Q2. What makes you think our ROKIT Healthcare’s AI Vet Regen Platform is a better solution in regeneration treatment than other conventional treatments?

No Adverse Reaction: Autologous fat is derived from the patient’s own body, reducing the risk of immune rejection or adverse reactions, making it a biocompatible option.
Abundant Source: Most individuals have a readily available source of fat in their bodies, making it a convenient and easily accessible source of regenerative material.
Regenerative Tissue: Fat tissue contains adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which have the potential to promote tissue regeneration and repair. These stem cells can contribute to the regenerative effects of autologous fat grafts.
Minimally Invasive: The harvesting of fat tissue is typically minimally invasive, involving liposuction techniques, which can lead to less scarring and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical procedures.
Long-Lasting Results: In some cases, autologous fat grafts can provide longer-lasting results compared to conventional treatments, as they integrate with the patient’s own tissues.
Hair-grown possibilities: In my case, I saw the hair grown on the skin defect when the site was healed.

Q3. Is there any other purposes that you have on your mind to use our ROKIT Healthcare’s AI Vet Regen platform in the future?

A: Autologous fat has shown promise as a regenerative medicine approach, particularly in the fields of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Its biocompatibility and potential regenerative properties make it an attractive option for certain patients. For me, I am planning to use it in cartilage regeneration and other traumatic cases.

Photo of Oh Hong-geun, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, CEO) of WOW Animal Medical Center

3D Bioprinting Education Platform

Foster Student Work Experience in Bio-Healthcare Innovation

ROKIT Healthcare(CEO: You Seok-hwan), a bio-healthcare innovation company that is expanding its business areas with a patient-specific regenerative medicine platform based on bio-printing technology, announced its involvement in the ‘AI-Bio Fabrication i-Teams’ program within the “WE-Meet Project,” which has been arranged by KORCHAM (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry) since late July.

The “WE-Meet Project” is a collaborative initiative between universities and businesses aimed at offering students practical work experience. Participating in this project were students from the Big Data Innovation Sharing University, which comprises institutions like Seoul National University, University of Seoul, Jeonbuk National University, Sookmyung Women’s University, Handong Global University, Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology, and Gyeongsang National University. Furthermore, the project also featured the active involvement of executives and employees from companies within the biotechnology and venture capital industry by engaging in the mentoring programs and taking part in the review of team projects to support participating students. This initiative will undergo an intensive training phase spanning from July to August, with ongoing performance-driven activities set to extend through the end of the current year.

ROKIT Healthcare has organized 3D Bioprinting training sessions at Kookmin University, Gachon University, and Wirye High School during this year. Additionally, Daegu Health College is currently hosting 3D Bioprinting training programs that encompass both regular curriculum integration and short-term courses.

3D Bioprinting Education Platform

Empowering Students with 3D Bioprinting Education at Wirye High School

ROKIT Healthcare stepped into the realm of biomedical science at Wirye School in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do last July. The company provided comprehensive 3D bioprinting education as part of a project aimed at nurturing the talents of future professionals in biomedical engineering and biotechnology.

Thirty ambitious students, harboring dreams of making a difference in these fields, eagerly embraced the opportunity and enthusiastically completed the course.

Post-training, the enthusiasm of these students for 3D bioprinting was so palpable that they expressed their desire to continue working with this cutting-edge technology. Responding to their passion, ROKIT Healthcare generously provided equipment to facilitate an extended period of exploration and experimentation. The following is an enlightening interview with Seungbeen Ju, an outstanding student who completed his education with extraordinary dedication and passion.

Q&A with Seungbeen Ju from Wirye High school

Empowering Students with 3D Bioprinting Education at Wirye High School "This invaluable experience palyed a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations, solidifying my dream to become a regenerative medicine practitioner and entrepreneur."

I’m Ju Seungbeen, 13th trainee of ‘POSTECH Creative Entrepreneur Omphalos’.

In the middle of August, I successfully complete the 3D Bio Printing Education Program at Wirye High School, an experience that helped me clarify my life values and previously uncertain aspirations.

Regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering have garnered considerable attention, but realizing and fulfilling my interest in these fields wasn’t as straightforward as my initial intellectual curiosity. While my focus was primarily on preparing for college entrance exams, my encounter with ROKIT Healthcare’s 3D Bio Printing program provided me with profound intellectual satisfaction that resonated deeply within me.

When ROKIT Healthcare provided 3D Bioprinter to Wirye Highschool, where I study, I remember experimenting with 3D bioprinter until 9 pm without even noticing the passage of time. Amidst the silence of the lab, the mechanical sound of 3D bioprinter, Alginate extruding from the tip of bio-syringe, every single thing that happened in the lab was valuable to me.

This invaluable experience played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations, solidifying my dream to become a regenerative medicine practitioner and entrepreneur.

3D Bioprinting Education Platform

Q&A with a Future Pioneer: Exploring the World of 3D Bioprinting Technology and Its Impact on Aspiring Biomedical Engineers

Q1. What led you to take 3D bioprinting class?

A: I believed that in cases of organ damage or aging, it could be feasible to extend life expectancy by manufacturing replacement organs using 3D bioprinting technology. Additionally, I thought this approach could act as a catalyst in advancing the development of humanoid skin to closely resemble natural human skin from an engineering standpoint.

Q2. Is there anything that has changed before and after completing the 3D bioprinting class?

A: Like many of my peers, I initially perceived that some students might choose their career paths based on societal status or financial gain, and I myself had a rather simplistic view of the medical profession, thinking it primarily involved routine clinical work. Nevertheless, I’m delighted that upon finishing the program, I’ve gained a clear career trajectory that combines medical practice with dedicated research in regenerative medicine as a physician-scientist.

Q3. What was the best thing about 3D bioprinting class?

A: I found the interactive teaching style of the instructors to be quite remarkable. Our regular school courses tend to lean more towards theory, but this program encouraged students to apply principles into practical use. This not only made the classes enjoyable but also enriched the learning experience

Q4. What are your aspirations for utilizing 3D bioprinting technology in the future?

A: My personal interest lies in pursuing further research to investigate the potential of using a 3D bioprinter for the purpose of combining cells from specific organs to replicate their functions. I was genuinely impressed by the sight of the artificial heart beating during the program.

Q5. Are there any other fields you would like to apply 3D bioprinting technology to?

A: I find the prospect of applying it to mechanical engineering quite intriguing. With the growing size of the bio market, the intersection with engineering has gained prominence. For instance, exploring the connection between the machinery that mimics bone functions and the bioprinting materials when a patient’s bone needs replacement would be a compelling area of study.

Q6. What are your plans after graduating from high school?

A: My future goals include enrolling in the Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine. Recognizing that the roles and opportunities for researchers in clinical research are contingent on their licensing status, I aim to conduct comprehensive research on a broader scale. My long-term ambitions involve pursuing a doctoral degree and actively engaging in academic work. Additionally, I have a keen interest in entrepreneurship and technology development, and I am committed to furthering my studies in these related fields.

Q7. Would you recommend this 3D bioprinting progam to others? Why?

A: Yes, numerous students possess an interest in biomedical engineering but often lack opportunities to directly engage with its products. I highly recommend this course, especially to those students who thrive on challenges and relish hands-on practical experience and experiments.