"Innovation Expands Beyond Obesity to Oncology"... Hanmi Unveils Next-Generation Drug Pipeline at AACR

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Presents Nine Research Outcomes
on Eight New Drug Candidates

Hanmi Pharmaceutical has unveiled research results from its anticancer drug pipeline leveraging next-generation modality (therapeutic approach) technologies, as part of its push to secure future growth engines.

On April 28, Hanmi Pharmaceutical announced that it participated in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2026), held in San Diego, USA, from April 17 to 22 (local time), where it presented nine research results related to eight new drug candidates. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Hanmi Pharmaceutical has achieved the highest number of research outcomes among Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Researchers at Hanmi Pharmaceutical's R&D Center are explaining the poster containing research results of innovative anticancer drugs to attendees at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2026) held in San Diego, USA, from the 17th to the 22nd of this month (local time). Hanmi Pharmaceutical

The anticancer pipeline showcased at this conference encompasses key anticancer technologies such as messenger RNA (mRNA), targeted protein degradation (TPD), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), and bispecific antibodies. The pipeline is largely divided into three categories: targeted anticancer drugs that regulate specific proteins, targeted anticancer drugs based on next-generation modalities, and immuno-oncology drugs based on next-generation modalities that activate immune cells.

In the targeted anticancer drug category, research outcomes for the EZH1/2 dual inhibitor (HM97662), the selective HER2 inhibitor (HM100714), and the SOS1-KRAS interaction inhibitor (HM101207) were disclosed. HM97662, which simultaneously inhibits EZH1 and EZH2 proteins, demonstrated the potential to overcome resistance to existing drugs through combination therapy in solid tumor models with specific genetic mutations. HM100714 showed strong anticancer efficacy in HER2-mutant cancers and exhibited favorable safety in brain and leptomeningeal metastasis models. HM101207, which blocks the activation of KRAS mutations, produced a synergistic effect when used in combination with other pathway inhibitors and significantly delayed the onset of resistance.

As for next-generation modality-based targeted anticancer drugs, the "EP300 selective degrader" utilizing a novel platform technology was introduced. In solid tumor animal model experiments, this substance demonstrated a synthetic lethality mechanism, exhibiting lower toxicity and superior anticancer efficacy compared to conventional dual inhibitors.

In the field of immuno-oncology, results were presented for the STING mRNA and p53 mRNA anticancer drugs, as well as for BH3120 (4-1BB x PD-L1 bispecific antibody) and BH4601 (B7H3 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody ADC), led by Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical. The systemically administrable STING mRNA drug was shown to have a dual mechanism, both activating the immune system and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The p53 mRNA drug demonstrated the potential for precision medicine through restoration therapy of tumor-suppressor proteins in ovarian cancer models.

Additionally, BH3120, which applies the bispecific antibody platform "Pentambody," maximized anticancer effects through complementary immune action when combined with a CD3 T cell engager. The bispecific ADC-based BH4601 presented a mechanism that reduces drug resistance and enhances antitumor activity compared to existing ADCs in various solid tumors.

Choi Inyoung, Head of Hanmi Pharmaceutical's R&D Center, stated, "By introducing an anticancer pipeline centered on next-generation modalities that is leading the global new drug development trend, we have demonstrated our R&D technological competitiveness. We will continue to expand Hanmi's future value by integrating new technologies across all research areas."

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