FlatBio and GBiologics are developing a next-generation anticancer drug that suppresses the cancer-related gene mutation Kirsten’s mouse sarcoma virus (KRAS). The two companies announced on the 25th that they have signed an agreement to research and develop platform-based anticancer drugs together.
KRAS mutations are genetic mutations that occur in 15-20% of cancer patients. In addition to leukemia, this mutation occurs in pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. It is known that 30-40% of patients with colon cancer and 15-30% of lung cancer have KRAS mutations. More than 90% of patients with pancreatic cancer have a KRAS mutation. The presence of KRAS mutations decreases the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy and target cancer drugs. For this reason, many multinational pharmaceutical companies are developing next-generation anticancer drugs to inhibit KRAS.
The new drug candidate GB920, which they develop together, is a recombinant protein anticancer drug that targets tumors that are difficult to treat with existing anticancer drugs due to mutations in KRAS genes. In recent animal tests, it was confirmed to be effective against KRAS mutant tumors. By targeting the lysosomes in KRAS mutant cancer cells, the company predicted that it will be more useful and safe than existing KRAS target candidates.
They plan to first develop GB920 as a treatment for pancreatic cancer and colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer). After confirming the effect of cancer treatment, the goal is to start a clinical trial in the US next year by starting combination therapy with existing anticancer drugs. “We will be able to increase the success rate of new drug development by integrating the industry’s best preclinical research ability, substance discovery, and development ability,” said Kim Sun-jin, CEO of Flatbio.
Reporter Lee Ji-hyun [email protected]
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