OncoGen Signs Production Agreement for Anticancer Drug Candidate with Smart Bio Pharm

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Bio venture OncoGen announced on the 20th that it has signed a raw material production contract for the new anticancer drug candidate ‘OZ-001’ with Smart BioPharm, a company specializing in pharmaceutical raw materials and reagent production.

The anticancer drug candidate OZ-001 is an innovative first-in-class candidate that has confirmed the mechanism of action of T-type calcium channel blockade as well as inhibition of the target protein STAT3 through oral administration in a non-small cell lung cancer animal model. To expand indications, additional efficacy and mechanisms are being confirmed in animal models through research on various solid tumors such as pancreatic cancer and head and neck cancer.

OncoGen transferred OZ-001 synthesis technology information and know-how to Smart BioPharm, securing improved raw material CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, Controls) including synthesis, purification, process development, and analytical methods of the substance. Through this contract, comprehensive services related to raw material production suitable for large-scale production for preclinical trials and clinical entry will be provided.

Smart BioPharm is developing manufacturing processes for drug candidates in the new drug development sector. In particular, it is developing a more efficient, economical, and eco-friendly process by applying a flow chemistry continuous production process compared to conventional batch production.

Sim Yuran, CEO of Smart BioPharm, said, “By cooperating in the development of OncoGen’s new drug candidates using flow chemistry continuous production technology, we will help manufacture new drugs more efficiently and environmentally friendly,” adding, “This is a process of creating a new paradigm in pharmaceutical synthesis, which can also enhance the market value and social value of drugs.”

Ahn Juhun, CEO of OncoGen, said, “Many drug candidates with high development potential often face difficulties due to inaccurate data such as manufacturing processes during preclinical and clinical progress,” and added, “We are pleased to be able to minimize risks and focus on research and development through Smart BioPharm’s production technology and service support.” He further stated, “We will do our best to successfully complete this project as soon as possible.”

OncoGen is also conducting research on additional pipelines. The second pipeline is a new drug substance that inhibits the heat shock protein HSP90 (Heat Shock Protein 90). This substance is planned to undergo animal experiments targeting mutant cancer cells through a structure that minimizes side effects.

Lastly, the CMPD (Chaperone-mediated protein degradation) drug using the second-generation target protein degradation technology developed in-house will demonstrate efficacy in vitro and in vivo for candidate substances derived from optimization studies, while strengthening research on various target proteins.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.