Dong-A ST Signs Immuno-Oncology Drug Introduction Agreement with China Hansoh Pharmaceutical

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Dong-A ST (CEO and Chairman Eom Dae-sik) announced on the 11th that it signed a licensing agreement with China’s Hansoh Pharmaceutical on the 10th for the next-generation immuno-oncology drug, a dual-target fusion protein called 'SHR-1701'.

Dong-A ST secured exclusive domestic development and sales rights for SHR-1701, which Hansoh Pharmaceutical is developing in China. Hansoh Pharmaceutical will receive upfront payments, milestones, and sales royalties after commercialization from Dong-A ST and will supply the finished product.

SHR-1701 is a dual-target fusion protein that simultaneously inhibits PD-L1 and TGF-βRII, expected to demonstrate anticancer efficacy across various cancer types. Mechanistically, it suppresses immune evasion and metastasis of cancer cells, and notably inhibits fibrosis of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, removing the physical barrier that protects cancer cells from immune cells and therapeutics.

Currently, Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials are underway in China for solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and cervical cancer.

Hansoh Pharmaceutical, established in 1970 and based in Jiangsu Province, China, specializes in oncology, anesthesia, and analgesics. Last year, it achieved sales of 3.9 trillion KRW and invested 620 billion KRW, equivalent to 16% of sales, in research and development (R&D).

A Dong-A ST official stated, “Through the introduction of Hansoh Pharmaceutical’s next-generation immuno-oncology drug, we have secured competitiveness in both our anticancer drug pipeline and the rapidly growing domestic immuno-oncology market. Since the drug is expected to be effective against various cancer types, we will strive to help patients suffering from cancer through successful domestic development based on close cooperation with Hansoh Pharmaceutical.”