Aptis and J2H Biotech Sign MOU for Joint Development of ADC Novel Drug

Full-Scale Development of Next-Generation Anticancer Drugs Begins

Aptis announced on October 22 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with J2H Biotech for the joint development of a first-in-class (First-in-Class) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) novel drug candidate. This agreement establishes a strategic partnership to develop a next-generation ADC drug with global competitiveness by combining Aptis's 'AbClick®' antibody conjugation technology with J2H Biotech's OPTIFLEX® payload platform.

In this joint research, J2H Biotech will design and synthesize highly potent cytotoxic payloads using the OPTIFLEX® platform, while Aptis will precisely conjugate these payloads to antibodies with its AbClick® technology to achieve the optimal Drug-to-Antibody Ratio (DAR). The two companies plan to conduct selective cytotoxicity assessments at the cellular level, verify efficacy and pharmacokinetics in tumor xenograft mouse models, and ultimately select a preclinical ADC candidate.

Han Taedong, CEO of Aptis, stated, "AbClick® technology is our proprietary platform that enables efficient payload conjugation without altering the antibody structure," and added, "Through this collaboration, we expect to develop a next-generation ADC drug that maximizes both selectivity and potency."

Kim Jaeseon, CEO of J2H Biotech, emphasized, "Combining the precise chemical design capabilities of the OPTIFLEX® platform with Aptis's conjugation technology will enable the creation of a globally competitive first-in-class ADC candidate."

Meanwhile, through this agreement, the two companies plan to strengthen their capabilities in ADC drug development based on proprietary domestic platforms, and to sequentially pursue preclinical research, clinical entry, and global technology transfer for the derived candidates.

ADC is a next-generation precision anticancer drug that combines a powerful anticancer agent with a cancer cell-targeting antibody, and is a field in which global pharmaceutical companies are actively focusing their development efforts. The collaboration between the two companies is drawing attention as it demonstrates that domestic bio companies have established a foothold for entering the global market with proprietary technology.