LG Chem Autoimmune Disease New Drug 'LG510255' Receives Approval for Phase 2 Clinical Trial in China

Researchers at LG Chem's Life Sciences Division are conducting new drug research activities. (Photo by LG Chem)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] LG Chem's autoimmune disease drug candidate 'LG510255' is starting Phase 2 clinical trials in China.

LG Chem recently announced on the 20th that its partner in China, TransThera Biosciences, received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the Phase 2 clinical trial plan of LC510255. TransThera will recruit patients with ulcerative colitis in China to actively evaluate the efficacy and safety of LC510255.

LC510255 is an oral new drug that promotes the expression of the hypersensitive immune function regulatory protein 'S1P1 (Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1)'. LG Chem confirmed immune response suppression and selective action on the S1P1 protein through preclinical and Phase 1 clinical trials.

TransThera, established in 2016 in Nanjing, China, is a bio company specializing in the development of inflammatory disease and anticancer new drugs. It is conducting clinical development of multiple new drug pipelines in the United States. LG Chem transferred the China market license for LC510255 to TransThera last April. With this Phase 2 clinical trial approval, LG Chem will receive undisclosed milestones from TransThera.

The market size for ulcerative colitis treatments in China is expected to grow from 220 billion KRW last year to 280 billion KRW by 2028. In particular, among approximately 430,000 ulcerative colitis patients in China, about 80% are estimated to be severe cases requiring active drug treatment.

LG Chem plans to expand the therapeutic indications of LC510255 to atopic dermatitis, a representative immune disease, and conduct global Phase 2 clinical trials. LG Chem holds the global (excluding China) development and commercialization rights for LC510255.

Jiwung Son, Head of LG Chem's Life Sciences Business Division, said, “S1P1 receptor agonists are promising new drug candidates in the autoimmune disease field that are attracting worldwide attention. We will secure global competitiveness through close cooperation with our partners.”