Prestige Biopharma IDC and Aptis Sign Collaboration for Next-Generation ADC Cancer Therapy Development

Prestige Biopharma IDC and Aptis Sign Collaboration for Next-Generation ADC Cancer Therapy Development

On September 24, 2024, Prestige Biopharma IDC (CEO: Sang-Seok Koh) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aptis (CEO: Taedong Han), a subsidiary of Dong-A ST, to jointly develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) anticancer therapeutics. The signing ceremony was held at the Aptis research center in Yongin, attended by Sang-Seok Koh, CEO of Prestige Biopharma IDC, and Taedong Han, CEO of Aptis.

This marks the first ADC-related joint research agreement for Prestige Biopharma IDC. The collaboration focuses on the joint development of two ADC programs using antibodies, including IDC’s ADC pipeline candidate “IDC441,” within the year. The first antibody program has already entered development, with proof-of-concept (PoC) expected to be completed in the first half of next year. Following this milestone, the companies plan to actively expand ADC development by applying both biosimilar and novel antibodies that are suitable for ADC applications.

Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to develop innovative ADC therapeutics by combining antibody and linker technologies. Prestige Biopharma IDC possesses 17 novel antibody candidates supported by a strong R&D workforce and has the capability to provide stable antibody production, which is essential for ADC development. Aptis has developed a third-generation linker technology called “AbClick,” which enables site-specific drug conjugation without modifying the antibody structure.

By integrating IDC’s antibody development capabilities with Aptis’ proprietary linker technology, the companies expect to accelerate the development of novel ADC therapeutics.

ADC therapeutics consist of three key components—an antibody, a cytotoxic payload, and a linker—and are designed to selectively target cancer cells for more precise and effective treatment. According to market research firm GlobalData, the global ADC market is projected to reach approximately USD 36 billion by 2029.

Aptis, an ADC specialist company acquired by Dong-A ST last year, has developed technologies that allow already-developed antibodies to be used without structural modification while enabling precise control of drug-to-antibody ratios. The company’s advanced linker platform is considered essential for developing ADC therapeutics using IDC’s antibody assets.

Taehung Kang, Head of the New Drug Development Division overseeing the joint research, stated, “IDC is actively developing various antibody therapeutics designed to enhance antibody efficacy from the early screening stage, including our pancreatic cancer antibody drug candidate PBP1510, which is currently progressing in clinical trials. With capabilities covering the full value chain—from target discovery and cell line development to antibody production—ADC technology represents a significant opportunity for IDC to develop next-generation anticancer therapeutics.”

Source: PAX TV (https://www.paxetv.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=213070)