Korea-based biotech company Teraphex transferred its self-developed non-small cell lung cancer drug candidate TRX-211 to Huons.
Huons said on the 23rd that it signed a deal the day before to introduce Teraphex's non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) targeted anticancer drug candidate TRX-211, expanding its research and development pipeline.
Under the agreement, the company will lead the clinical development of TRX-211, which is in the preclinical stage. After approval, it will hold the domestic marketing rights. It may also exercise an option for global rights in the future.
TRX-211 is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Exon 20 insertion mutation non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer is classified as small cell lung cancer when the cancer cells are smaller, and as non-small cell lung cancer when they are larger.
Huons introduced TRX-211 on the view that it could offer a new treatment opportunity for patients with EGFR Exon 20 insertion mutation NSCLC who are in urgent need of alternatives.
Lee Gu, Teraphex's CEO, said, "TRX-211 is a new drug candidate that concentrates Teraphex's know-how in the field of EGFR-mutation non-small cell lung cancer treatments," adding, "We will actively leverage Huons' strong research and development infrastructure and clinical network to present a new model in which a technology-driven biotech grows into a commercial entity."
Song Su-young, Huons' CEO, said, "This is an open innovation model in which Huons' capabilities, such as global clinical and commercialization experience, are combined with Teraphex's advanced targeted anticancer technology," adding, "We will continue to embrace a long-term vision and external technologies to create Huons' unique and unrivaled synergy in new drug development."