GC Biopharma said on the 18th that it exercised an option on antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology based on bispecific antibodies held by Kanaph Therapeutics on the 17th. ADCs are next-generation anticancer therapies that attach a potent chemotherapy drug to an antibody that recognizes cancer cells, selectively attacking cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
The company said the decision extends the joint development agreement signed in Nov. last year and marks a key turning point that advances a pipeline stuck in the preclinical stage into full-scale development.
The two companies plan to jointly research and develop a bispecific antibody ADC that targets two markers, EGFR and cMET, at the same time for patients with EGFR-mutant Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have developed resistance to existing therapies. Bispecific antibodies can recognize two different targets at once and are considered advantageous for blocking cancer's escape mechanisms.
In patients with EGFR-mutant Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cases of drug resistance developing within 1–2 years are not uncommon even when EGFR inhibitors, the standard therapy, are administered. Overexpression of cMET or resistance mutations within EGFR itself are cited as major causes. By attacking both targets simultaneously, the two companies aim to offer a new treatment alternative for patients who do not respond to existing therapies. Because EGFR and cMET are overexpressed in several cancers beyond lung cancer, they will also examine the potential to expand indications.
GC Biopharma said the option exercise was based on trust in Kanaph Therapeutics' research results. Since the joint development agreement in Nov. last year, Kanaph has conducted preclinical research and optimized candidate substances. Going forward, the preclinical stage will be carried out jointly by the two companies, Kanaph will lead CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls) development, and GC Biopharma will take charge of clinical trials.
Kanaph Therapeutics is expanding its pipeline based on an ADC platform technology co-developed with Lotte Biologics, and said the agreement with GC Biopharma recognizes the competitiveness and scalability of its ADC technology.
Kanaph Therapeutics CEO Lee Byung-chul said, "GC Biopharma's option exercise reflects strong trust in our technology and the value of our research results," adding, "As our pipeline has taken a leap forward through collaboration with our partner, we will expand strategic cooperation to lead global anticancer drug development."
Jeong Jae-uk, head of R&D at GC Biopharma, said, "We decided to exercise the option as part of our ongoing investment strategy in anticancer and immune disease therapies," adding, "We will pool the capabilities of both companies to deliver results in innovative new drug development."