The bio corporation DXVX announced on the 30th that it has signed a joint development and technology transfer agreement worth approximately 300 billion won with a U.S.-based bio corporation for mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer vaccines.
However, the company noted that the contracting party has decided not to disclose it in accordance with the agreement.
The company explained that this contract will grant the partner a global exclusive license for the patent of the mRNA cancer vaccine substance developed in-house.
mRNA copies part of the gene to produce the desired protein. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccine delivers the mRNA, which is the blueprint for creating the virus's spike protein, into human cells. The cells synthesize the spike protein according to the mRNA genetic information, inducing an immune response against it in the human body to prevent COVID-19. The mRNA vaccine was originally developed for cancer treatment. When mRNA that produces proteins only found in cancer cells is delivered to the human body, antibodies that attack cancer cells are generated.
If successful at each stage of drug development, the partner is expected to pay a total of 300 billion won to DXVX as milestone payments. If commercialization is successful, it will pay more than 10% of sales milestones to DXVX for over 15 years thereafter.
The company stated that it plans to lead the research and development necessary for commercialization, including preclinical and clinical phases 1 to 3, even after the technology transfer.
Kwon Gyu-chan, the CEO of DXVX, said, "This is our first global license-out contract," and added, "It will positively impact the conclusion of contracts for other pipelines currently under discussion."