KPS Begins New Drug Development of Cancer Stem Cell Targeted Anticancer Agent 'AGK-102'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Preclinical and clinical trials have begun for KPS's first global anticancer drug candidate. This candidate substance is an antibody anticancer agent that the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute successfully transferred technology for in the field of radiation technology for the first time at the end of last year.

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KPS's U.S. subsidiary Algok Bio (CEO Kim Sungcheol) announced on the 20th that it has signed a contract for preclinical outsourcing of the antibody anticancer drug candidate 'AGK-102,' which targets the cancer stem cell (Cancer Stem Cell) expressed 'TM4SF4 (Ti-em-po-es-ef-po).' The company plans to simultaneously conduct preclinical and clinical trials of the candidate substance in Korea and the United States and actively cooperate with the Atomic Energy Research Institute regarding the development of various technologies for obtaining drug approval.

TM4SF4 exists on the surface of cancer stem cells and is involved in the growth and metastasis of lung cancer, particularly known to induce resistance to radiation therapy. To inhibit the effects of TM4SF4, the Atomic Energy Research Institute succeeded in producing a mouse monoclonal antibody based on a specific antigen of TM4SF4 that can be mass-produced, converting it into a humanized antibody to create a 'TM4SF4 antibody anticancer drug candidate' without immune rejection.

Kim Sungcheol, CEO of Algok Bio, said, "Although cancer stem cells account for only 1-2% of cancer tissue, they occupy the top of the cancer cell hierarchy and are the main cause of recurrence. One characteristic of cancer stem cells is resistance to radiation therapy, and AGK-102 targets TM4SF4, which induces radiation therapy resistance, removing the upper-level cancer cells, which will be a turning point in treatment strategies." He added, "We plan to accelerate efforts to secure additional anticancer pipelines."

AGK-102 has previously demonstrated efficacy in reducing tumor size and improving radiation sensitivity through animal experiments. Research results related to TM4SF4 were patented domestically and internationally in 2014 and 2020, respectively, and the technology related to humanized antibody production was jointly patented early last year with Professor Ryu Chunje of Sejong University.

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