Algok Bio-Nuclear Research Institute Present Research Results on 'TM4SF4' Targeted Anticancer Drug at AACR

Algok Bio Inc, a global new drug development subsidiary of KPS, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 19th that they will present research results on the 'TM4SF4' target first-in-class antibody anticancer drug (AGK-102) at the AACR Annual Meeting 2024, held in San Diego, USA, from the 5th to the 10th of next month.

The AACR is considered one of the world's top three cancer societies alongside the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). More than 20,000 experts gather annually to share achievements in cancer research.

At this year's AACR, Algok Bio will present a poster on the production process of the monoclonal antibody, immune anticancer functions, and efficacy tests in lung cancer animal models for their 'TM4SF4' antibody anticancer drug candidate 'AGK-102'. Algok Bio signed a research agreement in 2021 with Dr. In-Kyu Kim’s research team at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to support basic research and related technology development for AGK-102.

'TM4SF4' is a protein expressed on the surface of cancer stem cells and is known to be involved in the growth and metastasis of lung, colon, and liver cancers, as well as inducing resistance to radiation therapy. To date, Algok Bio is the only company pursuing the development of anticancer therapies targeting TM4SF4.

CEO Sung-Chul Kim explained, "Through collaboration with Dr. In-Kyu Kim’s team, we discovered an optimal mouse monoclonal antibody with high binding affinity using a specific antigen peptide located on the surface of 'TM4SF4'." He added, "This antibody inhibited cancer cell growth and metastasis by regulating the expression of key tumor genes and the functions of their expressed proteins."

He emphasized, "It was confirmed to show high anticancer efficacy in lung cancer animal models," and added, "We also verified its function in suppressing the expression of PD-L1 (programmed cell death protein ligand-1), confirming its potential as a combination therapy agent that enhances the activity of immuno-oncology drugs."

Led by Dr. Sung-Chul Kim, Algok Bio is currently conducting preclinical development of 'AGK-102'. They plan to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) next year and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials. Additionally, last year, Algok Bio signed a global licensing agreement for exclusive development and sales rights of the folate receptor-targeting ovarian cancer drug 'Idetrexed' with BTG International, a subsidiary of Boston Scientific. Starting this year, they plan to conduct Phase 2 monotherapy clinical trials in the U.S. and Phase 1 combination therapy clinical trials in the U.K.

Dr. Kim is known for developing Korea’s first anticancer drugs, 'Genexol' and 'Lenvatinib'. From 2002, while serving as Vice President at Samyang Research Corporation, the U.S. pharmaceutical research institute of Samyang Corporation, he led clinical trials in the U.S. and Korea for the improved paclitaxel drug 'Genexol-PM' (approved in 2006 for breast and lung cancer treatment). Later, he founded LSK BioPartners in the U.S. and devoted himself to the global development of Lenvatinib from 2007, completing all global clinical trials phases 1, 2, and 3 from preclinical stages.