Hanmi Pharmaceutical and MSD have joined forces to conduct a phase 1 clinical trial that will assess the safety and efficacy of the immunotherapy drug ‘BH3120’ in combination with KEYTRUDA® in patients with progressive or metastatic solid tumors. Hanmi Pharmaceutical, a leading biopharmaceutical company in Korea, will sponsor the trial, while MSD will provide the supply of KEYTRUDA.
BH3120, a next-generation immunotherapy drug, utilizes Pentambody, a bispecific antibody platform technology developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical and its Chinese subsidiary, BJHM. This innovative technology allows for the simultaneous targeting of two different tumor-associated antigens, enabling both immuno-oncology therapy and targeted therapy. BH3120 specifically targets PD-L1 and 4-1BB with biased binding affinities towards PD-L1, aiming to induce potent anti-tumor activities in PD-L1 overexpressed tumor tissues while minimizing immune activation in normal tissues.
Unlike existing antibody candidates targeting 4-1BB, BH3120 has demonstrated in preclinical studies a decoupling of immune activity between the tumor microenvironment and normal tissue, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective anticancer agent. Dr. Kim Dong-wan, the Principal Investigator of the phase 1 clinical trial in Korea and the US, is optimistic about the collaboration, stating that BH3120 in combination with KEYTRUDA could benefit patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical views BH3120 as a groundbreaking project in the field of immuno-oncology therapy, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. The company aims to overcome the limitations of current therapies and enhance therapeutic efficacy through their next-generation immune-oncology therapy.
KEYTRUDA®, an anti-PD-1 therapy developed by MSD, is a registered trademark that has shown remarkable success in treating various types of cancer. The collaboration between Hanmi Pharmaceutical and MSD marks an important step forward in the pursuit of innovative solutions for solid tumors.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical is a research and development-focused pharmaceutical company that has made significant investments in creating global first-in-class drugs. With multiple pipelines covering various therapeutic areas, including metabolic diseases, inflammation-fibrosis, anticancer drugs, and rare disease treatments, Hanmi Pharmaceutical is dedicated to advancing the field of medicine through cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships.
For more information about Hanmi Pharmaceutical and their research endeavors, please visit their official website at www.hanmipharm.com.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s collaboration with MSD to evaluate the immunotherapy drug ‘BH3120’ in combination with KEYTRUDA® in a phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors brings together the expertise of both companies in the field of oncology. This collaboration aims to assess the safety and efficacy of BH3120, a next-generation immunotherapy drug developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical, utilizing Pentambody, a bispecific antibody platform technology.
The innovative technology of BH3120 allows for the simultaneous targeting of two different tumor-associated antigens, PD-L1 and 4-1BB, which enables both immuno-oncology therapy and targeted therapy. By targeting PD-L1 and 4-1BB with biased binding affinities towards PD-L1, BH3120 aims to induce potent anti-tumor activities in PD-L1 overexpressed tumor tissues while minimizing immune activation in normal tissues.
A key advantage of BH3120, as demonstrated in preclinical studies, is its ability to decouple immune activity between the tumor microenvironment and normal tissue. This feature highlights its potential as a safe and effective anticancer agent, distinguishing it from existing antibody candidates targeting 4-1BB. Dr. Kim Dong-wan, the Principal Investigator of the phase 1 clinical trial, expresses optimism about the collaboration, stating that BH3120 in combination with KEYTRUDA could benefit patients with relapsed or refractory disease.
The collaboration between Hanmi Pharmaceutical and MSD is particularly significant in the context of the growing importance of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to cancer treatment, harnessing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. The success of immunotherapy drugs like KEYTRUDA® in treating various types of cancer has generated considerable excitement and interest in the field.
However, immunotherapy is not without its challenges and controversies. One challenge is the identification of biomarkers that can accurately predict patient response to immunotherapy. While KEYTRUDA® has shown remarkable success, not all patients respond equally to treatment. Identifying biomarkers that can stratify patients and predict treatment response is an ongoing area of research.
Another challenge is the potential for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with immunotherapy. While immunotherapy has the potential to induce powerful immune responses against cancer cells, it can also lead to immune-related toxicity affecting healthy tissues. Managing and minimizing irAEs while maximizing treatment efficacy is an important consideration in the development of immunotherapeutic agents.
In terms of market trends, the field of immuno-oncology continues to evolve rapidly. The market for cancer immunotherapy is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by advancements in research, increasing investment, and the approval of novel therapeutics. Key players in the pharmaceutical industry are actively exploring collaborations and partnerships to develop innovative immunotherapies and expand their product portfolios.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical, as a research and development-focused pharmaceutical company, is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in the immuno-oncology market. With their focus on creating global first-in-class drugs and strategic partnerships, Hanmi Pharmaceutical aims to revolutionize cancer treatment through their next-generation immune-oncology therapy.
For further information about Hanmi Pharmaceutical and their research endeavors, please visit their official website at www.hanmipharm.com.
Sources:
– Hanmi Pharmaceutical Official Website
– MSD Official Website
– FierceBiotech – Hanmi and Merck KGaA team up again on another bispecific cancer project
– The Cancer Journal – Recent Advances in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer