LigaChem Biosciences announced on the 13th that it has signed a new antibody technology introduction contract with Da An Biotherapeutics for the development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates.
Da An Biotherapeutics is a biotech company founded in 2020 by Jo Byeong-cheol, the CEO of Da An Biotherapeutics and a professor at the Severance Yonsei Cancer Center, who led the domestic and international clinical trials of Yuhan Corporation's new lung cancer drug, Lecraza.
This contract involves Da An Biotherapeutics supplying antibodies that LigaChem Biosciences will develop into ADC new drugs. The next-generation cancer treatment core technology, ADC, accurately delivers drugs only to cancer cells, resulting in higher therapeutic effectiveness and preventing damage to normal cells.
ADC consists of an antibody, a drug (payload), and a linker (antibody-drug consolidation). LigaChem Biosciences possesses drug and linker technologies, while antibodies are developed by introducing promising substances from outside.
According to LigaChem Biosciences, the introduced antibodies specifically express in solid tumors, where treatment options for patients are limited, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer. LigaChem Biosciences has secured global rights for the development of ADC targeting these antibodies.
Kim Yong-joo, CEO of LigaChem Biosciences, said, "I am pleased to sign the antibody technology introduction contract with Da An Biotherapeutics, which has outstanding clinical experience and antibody development capabilities in the field of new lung cancer drugs," and noted, "In line with our Vision 2030 early achievement strategy, we will focus on securing continuous new ADC candidates, including this contract." Jo Byeong-cheol, CEO of Da An Biotherapeutics, stated, "This contract will provide new momentum for the development of antibody-based therapeutics."