Will HLB Anticancer Drug 'Rivoceranib' Work for Pets Too?

HLB Life Science logo (Photo by HLB Life Science)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] HLB Life Science has begun additional development of the targeted anticancer drug 'Rivoceranib' as an anticancer agent for animals.

HLB Life Science announced on the 9th that it has conducted the first administration of Rivoceranib in a clinical trial targeting companion dogs with mammary carcinoma. Earlier, in March, it received approval for the clinical trial plan (IND) for mammary carcinoma in companion dogs from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

The current clinical trial, conducted at 10 animal hospitals nationwide, involves Notus, a CRO specializing in efficacy evaluation and an affiliate of the HLB Group, as the contract research organization. HLB Life Science plans to apply for product approval for commercialization next year based on the clinical trial results. Animal drugs can be approved for marketing with just one clinical trial result.

Mammary carcinoma is one of the major causes of death in companion dogs, along with skin cancer and lymphoma. It is a difficult-to-treat disease with no existing treatment worldwide.

Rivoceranib is an anticancer agent targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and is being developed for indications such as liver cancer, salivary gland cancer, and stomach cancer. HLB Life Science, which holds domestic rights and partial rights in Europe and Japan for Rivoceranib, plans to continue clinical trials of Rivoceranib for various canine cancers, including melanoma, starting with mammary carcinoma in companion dogs.

Han Yong-hae, CEO of HLB Life Science, said, “We have already confirmed the anticancer efficacy and safety of Rivoceranib through nonclinical studies in mice and beagle dogs,” adding, “If we obtain domestic marketing approval with good clinical results, we will also seek to enter the global market.”