Yuhan Corporation is showing strong performance. On the 7th (local time), Johnson & Johnson announced that the combination therapy of Livrivant and Yuhan's Lekraza (U.S. name Razcluze) extended patients' overall survival (OS) by more than one year compared to the existing standard treatment.
As of 9:35 a.m. on the 8th, Yuhan Corporation's stock is trading at 137,700 KRW, up 13.43% from the previous day.
Johnson & Johnson explained through the final results announcement of the Phase 3 clinical project 'MARIPOSA' that the combination therapy showed clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival, the secondary endpoint, compared to the current standard treatment Tagrisso. It also demonstrated statistically significant improvement. The improvement in overall survival was confirmed to be more than one year.
The company explained that the combination therapy offers a survival benefit over the standard treatment Tagrisso (Osimertinib) in first-line treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive lung cancer. They emphasized that it is the first and only therapy of its kind. Having succeeded in extending patient survival, the ultimate goal of anticancer drugs, a green light has been turned on for global sales.
Researcher Kwon Hae-soon from Eugene Investment & Securities stated, "As a first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer without chemotherapy, it showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement compared to the current standard treatment Tagrisso."
He added, "With the positive results of the MARIPOSA clinical trial announced earlier than expected, expectations for Yuhan Corporation's earnings growth will be reflected in the stock price in advance. We have incorporated estimated revenues from Lazertinib in 2027 into the target price."
Going forward, researcher Kwon emphasized that they plan to provide additional updates considering Johnson & Johnson's sales strategy and market penetration speed. The target price was maintained at 220,000 KRW.
Researcher Kwon predicted, "The MARIPOSA clinical results are expected to be officially announced at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting at the end of May this year, and based on the excellent therapeutic effects, FDA formal approval and full-scale marketing are expected to begin."
He analyzed, "In the EGFR mutation non-small cell lung cancer treatment market, AstraZeneca's Tagrisso has a solid position, and considering AstraZeneca's standing in the solid tumor treatment market, many domestic and international investors were highly skeptical about the commercial value of the combination therapy."
He explained, "Based on the MARIPOSA clinical results, Johnson & Johnson is expected to enter the related market smoothly. Last year, Tagrisso's estimated sales likely reached 6.8 billion USD." He added, "The related treatment market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 8% until 2030, making it a market with significant commercial potential."
He emphasized, "FDA approval of Lazertinib and Amivantamab SC (subcutaneous injection formulation) is expected in the second half of this year. Considering the advantages of the bispecific antibody Amivantamab SC, such as dosing convenience, improved efficacy, and reduced side effects, the commercial value of the combination therapy will further increase."
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