Technology That Binds to Specific Receptors to Attack Only Target Cells
Acquisition of Rights to Use Three ADC Platform Technologies
[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Chong Kun Dang is adopting Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology to develop new anticancer drugs.
Chong Kun Dang announced on the 6th that it signed a contract on the 3rd with Dutch biotechnology company Synaffix to introduce ADC technology. The contract is valued at approximately $132 million (about 165 billion KRW), including the signing fee, development, approval, and sales milestones, with separate tiered royalties for sales after commercialization.
Through this contract, Chong Kun Dang plans to actively develop anticancer drugs by securing the rights to use three ADC platform technologies from Synaffix.
ADC is a technology that binds to proteins or receptors on specific cells such as cancer cells, allowing the drug conjugated to the antibody to enter the cell and kill only the targeted cells without harming other cells. It can minimize the side effects of conventional cytotoxic anticancer drugs while enhancing efficacy.
Synaffix’s ADC platform technology enables site-specific conjugation, attaching an exact number of drug molecules to precise locations on the antibody. While other technologies require antibody modification, Synaffix’s technology can apply ADC to antibodies discovered previously without modification. Additionally, it allows safe and efficient production free from toxicity.
Chong Kun Dang has been conducting joint research with Synaffix since 2019.
Kim Young-joo, CEO of Chong Kun Dang, said, "Chong Kun Dang has built expertise and know-how through the development of various anticancer drugs, including the small cell lung cancer drug 'Camptobel' and the bispecific antibody 'CKD-702.' Through this contract with Synaffix, we will accelerate the development of next-generation anticancer drugs to lead the global market."
Peter van de Sande, CEO of Synaffix, said, "We are pleased that our new ADC technology is included in Chong Kun Dang’s pipeline, which has excellent capabilities in the anticancer drug field. We plan to maintain close and long-term cooperation so that Chong Kun Dang can develop innovative anticancer drugs needed by patients."
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