KPM Tech·Telcon RF Pharma "Humanigen Administers First Patient in 'ZUMA-19' Trial with US Gilead Subsidiary"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Humanigen, invested in by KPM Tech and Telcon RF Pharmaceutical, announced on the 1st that it has started the first patient dosing in a joint clinical trial related to CAR-T therapy.

Humanigen announced on the 30th (local time in the U.S.) that it has begun the first patient dosing in the 'ZUMA-19' clinical trial with Kite. Kite is a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences.

ZUMA-19 is a study combining Yescarta, developed by Gilead, and Humanigen's Lenzilumab for treatment. Yescarta is a blockbuster anticancer drug that recorded sales of approximately 540 billion KRW as of last year. It received FDA approval as a CAR-T cell therapy in 2017.

Representatives from KPM and Telcon RF Pharmaceutical stated, "Lenzilumab can prevent and treat cytokine storm, one of the major side effects of Yescarta, so we expect the synergy of the two pipelines to lead to good results," adding, "We currently hold the right of first negotiation and are negotiating domestic distribution rights for the pipelines held by Humanigen."

Meanwhile, KPM Tech and Telcon RF Pharmaceutical invested approximately 4.9 billion KRW in Humanigen last June. Humanigen is also conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.S. for a COVID-19 treatment using Lenzilumab.