South Korean researchers have discovered a new substance to treat septicemia also known as bacteremia or blood poisoning, paving the way for developing a possible cure.

Supported by the Health and Welfare Ministry in its research, a team led by Professor Bae Yoe-sik at Sungkyungkwan University announced that it has confirmed, for the first time in the world, that the damage of key organs and the high death rate related to septicemia is induced by the PLD2 gene.

The team also confirmed that a new drug candidate named CAY10594 proved effective in treating septicemia in animal testing.

Professor Bae said that developing a cure for the blood disease will be possible based on the findings. He said that he applied for a domestic patent and is also preparing for an international patent application.

Septicemia, which currently has no cure, occurs when an organ is infected by large amounts of microorganisms that enter the bloodstream.

It is a serious illness that can lead to death. Some 800-thousand cases are reported in the U.S. each year with a 27 percent fatality rate.

The study was published in the latest edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine.