Joint development of candidate substances for immunotherapy refractory cancer
“Providing a new treatment for cancer patients who cannot be treated with Keytruda and Opdivo”
Nexi, Opdivo developer, transfers technology to Japan’s Ono Pharmaceutical
Possesses a platform to discover refractory factors in the tumor microenvironment
Utilizing GC Green Cross antibody development technology
GC Green Cross announced on the 18th that it signed a contract with NEX-I, an anticancer new drug research and development company, to jointly develop a new target innovative new drug (First-in-Class) for the treatment of cancer refractory to existing immunotherapy drugs.
Nexi has transferred the technology of its first project to Japan’s Ono Pharmaceutical Industry (Ono), the developer of the cancer immunotherapy drug Opdivo (ingredient name: nivolumab). Through this, we demonstrated our ability to research and develop new anti-cancer drugs that target immune-anticancer refractory factors.
This joint development project aims to implement and provide new anticancer treatment options by combining NexI’s platform for discovering refractory factors in the tumor microenvironment and GC Green Cross’ unique antibody development technology. To this end, the plan is to establish a cooperative relationship that encompasses the entire development process from deriving candidate materials for the development of antibody-based treatments.
Anticancer immunotherapy is a drug that induces immune cells within the patient’s microtumor environment to attack cancer cells and treat cancer. Representative examples include global blockbuster drugs Opdivo and Keytruda. However, for cancers that do not respond to these immunotherapy drugs or that relapse after treatment, the effectiveness of existing treatments is low, and there are virtually no treatments to replace them. This joint development is a project to discover new targets for treatment and derive new drug candidates using a cancer model refractory to immunotherapy.
Kyung-wan Yoon, CEO of Nexi, said, “This is an appropriate opportunity to prove that Nexi’s anticancer drug platform technology has been advanced and expanded,” and added, “We expect to be able to develop competitive new drugs through synergy with GC Pharma.”
Jeong Jae-wook, head of the R&D division at GC Green Cross, said, “Through this collaboration, we will provide innovative and effective treatments to patients who are refractory to immunotherapy treatments and contribute to improving the quality of patients’ lives.”
Kim Min-beom, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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What are the main challenges associated with treating refractory cancers using immunotherapy?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cancer Immunotherapy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Jae-wook Jeong, head of the R&D division at GC Green Cross. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments in the joint project between Nexi and Ono Pharmaceutical for the treatment of refractory cancers.
Dr. Jeong: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights about this important advancement in cancer treatment.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. This collaboration aims to develop new treatments for cancers that are resistant to currently available immunotherapies like Opdivo and Keytruda. Can you explain what refractory cancer is and why this collaboration is so significant?
Dr. Jeong: Certainly! Refractory cancer refers to tumors that do not respond to treatment or that relapse after an initial response. Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but a significant proportion of patients still face challenges. This collaboration is crucial because it allows us to leverage Nexi’s cutting-edge technology to identify refractory factors in the tumor microenvironment and combine it with our proprietary antibody development technology. Together, we aim to create First-in-Class treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Editor: That’s indeed promising. I understand that Nexi has transferred technology related to this project to Ono Pharmaceutical. How does this transfer play a role in your joint development efforts?
Dr. Jeong: The transfer of technology is a pivotal step. Nexi’s platform enables the identification of factors that contribute to immunotherapy resistance. By integrating this capability with Ono Pharmaceutical’s expertise in drug development and our antibody-focused innovations, we can streamline the process of discovering and developing new drug candidates specifically aimed at overcoming this resistance.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how these partnerships evolve. How do you see the current landscape of cancer immunotherapy changing as a result of this project?
Dr. Jeong: I believe this project is a significant stride toward diversifying treatment options for patients who currently have limited alternatives. As we continue to harness the understanding of the tumor microenvironment and individual immune responses, we’re likely to see a wave of personalized treatments that can potentially enhance efficacy and minimize resistance. This collaboration is just the beginning of a new era where we can better tailor therapies to individual patient needs.
Editor: Speaking of personalized treatments, what specific strategies will you use to identify new therapeutic targets within the tumor microenvironment?
Dr. Jeong: Our approach will involve a comprehensive analysis of the tumor microenvironment, focusing on factors that inhibit the immune response. By utilizing advanced technologies for profiling both the tumor and surrounding immune cells, alongside innovative screening methods, we can pinpoint the key players that drive resistance. This will enable us to design targeted therapies that counteract these specific mechanisms.
Editor: It’s intriguing to think about the future of personalized medicine in oncology. Given the urgency of treating refractory cancers, what is the timeline you envision for seeing results from this collaboration?
Dr. Jeong: While drug development can be unpredictable, we aim to make significant progress in the next few years. Initial candidate identification could happen within the next 18 months, followed by preclinical studies. If successful, clinical trials may commence shortly thereafter. Of course, our priority is to ensure safety and efficacy at every stage.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a robust plan in place. For patients who might be reading this, what message do you want to convey about the future of cancer treatment?
Dr. Jeong: I want to reassure patients that advancements in cancer research are actively targeting their needs. Our collaboration reflects a commitment to exploring innovative solutions for those who have exhausted current therapies. We are hopeful that the treatments we are developing will bring new hope and improve the quality of life for patients facing these tough battles.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jeong, for your insights and the important work you and your team are doing. We look forward to following the progress of this joint development project.
Dr. Jeong: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital subject. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.