STCube, Increased Interest in Combination Therapy of BTN1A1 and ADC After SITC... "Discussing Collaboration with Global Big Pharma"

STCube announced on the 13th that following its participation in the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC 2023) in the United States, it is currently engaged in collaboration discussions on antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) combination therapies with mid-sized pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including global big pharma.

Known as the '4th generation anticancer drug,' ADCs are designed to selectively destroy cancer cells. As one of the most promising new anticancer drug technologies, numerous global companies are making substantial investments in ADC development. By selectively delivering drugs to targets, ADCs minimize side effects while enhancing anticancer efficacy, raising expectations for combination therapies with immuno-oncology agents.

According to STCube, BTN1A1 is expressed in almost all cancer types, suggesting significant potential efficacy when combined with ADCs. Based on the Phase 1 clinical trial results of Nelmastobart, which has minimal side effects, interest in combination therapies with not only chemotherapy but also ADCs has increased.

An STCube representative stated, “We are conducting additional partnership discussions with various big pharma companies in the US, Europe, and other regions, including those with whom we have been in talks since Phase 1 clinical trials. There is an increasing number of requests for antibody provision and combination discussions with ADCs, which are gaining attention as next-generation anticancer therapies, and related meetings are scheduled.”

At this SITC, STCube presented the successful Phase 1 clinical trial results of the immune checkpoint inhibitor Nelmastobart and data on the upcoming Phase 1b/2 trials. Researchers from the clinical participating institution, MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), presented preclinical data showing tumor growth inhibition effects when Nelmastobart is combined with radiation therapy.

Jung Hyunjin, CEO of STCube, said, “Partnership discussions with global big pharma companies are progressing seriously, and as clinical trials advance, we are confident that Nelmastobart is their top priority. This success was greatly supported not only by STCube but also by MD Anderson and domestic clinical researchers and professors.”

Meanwhile, STCube’s largest shareholder recently sold part of their shares through an off-hours block trade. Regarding this, a company representative explained, “As the maturity of the collateralized loan approached, various discussions took place, and considering internal and external circumstances, further extension was deemed difficult. Therefore, a block trade was conducted targeting multiple institutional investors to raise funds necessary for loan repayment.”

CEO Jung apologized, saying, “Regardless of the reasons, I sincerely apologize to our shareholders for the great concern and confusion caused by the largest shareholder’s shareholding changes during such an important time. Please understand that this was a painful decision, not for personal gain but akin to cutting one’s own flesh.” He added, “We will achieve the best results as soon as possible to return greater value to our shareholders.”

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