From as early as 2014, anti-cancer stem cell treatment will be available through a joint firm established by Pohang University of Technology and Science and Catholic University of Korea, the schools said Monday.

According to the joint venture “PoCaStem,” the treatment “GX-051” involved injecting adenovirus that prompts the anti-carcinogenic treatment gene, IL-12M, into a stem cell. The substance is reported to induce immune reactions to tumors and has been proved effective on metastatic cancers, too.

GX-051 was selected as a key research item by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2009 and has passed all toxicity tests. The second state clinical test is scheduled to end by March 2014.

“The product will help people with hard-to-cure diseases,” Prof. Jeon Shin-su of Catholic University said Monday as she announced the launch.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)