Hanmi Pharm and LegoChem Bio collaborate on bispecific antibody ADC anticancer drug development

Entered candidate substance derivation research with the goal of conducting preclinical studies by 2022

Kwon Se-chang, CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical (second from left), Kim Yong-ju, CEO of LegoChem Biosciences (third from right), and executives from both companies are posing for a commemorative photo after signing a joint research and development agreement. (Photo by Hanmi Pharmaceutical)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group is jointly developing a bispecific antibody-based ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) anticancer drug with LegoChem Biosciences.

Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced on the 23rd that it signed a joint research and development agreement with LegoChem on the 22nd for next-generation ADCs applying the bispecific antibody platform "Pentambody" developed by Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical. Through this agreement, the two companies will discover next-generation bispecific antibody ADC candidates by applying LegoChem's ADC linker-toxin platform to bispecific antibody substances that bind to two different antigens owned by Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical. Hanmi Pharmaceutical plans to promote a rapid global commercialization process based on this.

ADC is a drug in which an antibody and a drug are connected by a linker. It is a technology that utilizes the targeting ability of antibodies and the cytotoxicity of drugs. Existing ADC technology used single antibodies, but Hanmi and LegoChem Biosciences are developing next-generation targeted anticancer drugs with reduced side effects and enhanced anticancer efficacy by integrating bispecific antibodies as an innovative technology.

Additionally, by adopting a strategy of conjugating immune-modulating drugs instead of cytotoxic drugs to antibodies, they are expected to present a new solution in the immuno-oncology market.

The bispecific antibody platform "Pentambody," independently developed by Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical, is a next-generation antibody technology in which one antibody can simultaneously bind to two different targets. The company explains that it has a structure similar to immunoglobulin G, offering excellent immunogenicity and stability, as well as high production efficiency. Currently, Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical is conducting various new drug development studies, including clinical-stage immuno-oncology drugs, using this technology.

Immediately after signing this agreement, the two companies plan to actively begin candidate substance discovery research and aim to conduct preclinical studies next year. They plan to jointly conduct clinical development of multiple candidate substances, and Hanmi Pharmaceutical holds a licensing option to exclusively exercise global commercialization rights during the development process.

Kim Yong-joo, CEO of LegoChem Biosciences, said, "By joining forces with Hanmi Pharmaceutical, which has global new drug development capabilities, we will quickly leap to the forefront in the bispecific antibody ADC field led by multinational pharmaceutical companies."

Lim Hae-ryong, General Manager of Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical, stated, "We recently confirmed the clinical safety and efficacy of Pentambody and have derived new innovative programs, entering a maturation stage as a foundational technology. Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical will expand exchanges and cooperation with innovative new drug development research companies in the future."

Kwon Se-chang, CEO of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, said, "We are pleased that two companies with expertise and technology in the emerging ADC and bispecific antibody fields in the anticancer drug market have come together to conduct research. Hanmi Pharmaceutical and Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical will do their best in joint research and development and actively pioneer the market for successful commercialization in the global market."