[Special Stock] BL Surges on 170 Billion KRW Global New Drug Licensing MOU

BLS is showing strength. This is interpreted as being influenced by the news that it has signed a global licensing memorandum of understanding (MOU) for two new drugs under development on its own platform for the treatment of muscle loss with an overseas bio-licensing company.

As of 9:11 AM on the 20th, BLS is trading at 2,850 won, up 13.05% from the previous day.

The pipelines for which the MOU was signed this time are BLS's ‘BLS-M22 (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatment; DMD)’ and ‘BLS-M32 (Sarcopenia treatment for age-related muscle loss; Sarcopenia)’, both of which are new drugs for muscle loss diseases.

The contracting parties will initiate global licensing negotiations with multiple North American bio companies that have expressed interest in rare disease treatments such as muscle loss under the contract terms signed with BLS.

The global licensing terms agreed upon by BLS include a total milestone payment of $130 million (approximately 170 billion KRW) based on development and sales achievements, and a double-digit royalty payment based on sales. Additionally, the responsibility for development, clinical trials, approval, and manufacturing lies entirely with the licensing partner.

‘BLS-M22’ and ‘BLS-M32’, developed using BLS’s core technology MucoMax platform, are oral drugs that express disease protein antigens on the surface of the microbiome (beneficial gut bacteria including lactic acid bacteria). The antigens introduced into the body induce a gut-mucosal immune response, and the antibodies produced treat the disease, representing a first-in-class innovative drug concept.

A BLS representative stated, “The signing of this licensing MOU has reaffirmed the market potential of muscle loss diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and age-related sarcopenia, which are attracting great interest from major global pharmaceutical companies, and is the result of recognition of the value of our pipelines that have secured advanced technology for related diseases.” He added, “Through subsequent licensing agreements, we expect global clinical development of ‘BLS-M22’ and ‘BLS-M32’ to proceed in earnest, centered on North America.”