Algonomics Unveils Interim Results for RZ-001 in Liver Cancer: Tumor Response in Over Half of Patients, 23% Complete Disappearance

by Park Jeongyeon

Published 18 Apr.2026 12:51(KST)

Presentation at AACR 2026

Algonomics has released interim clinical results for its RNA-based anti-cancer drug 'RZ-001' in hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatment showed a tumor reduction response in more than half of the patients. In approximately 23% of cases, the tumor was found to have completely disappeared.

Algenomics company logo image. Algenomics

Algonomics announced on April 18 that it will present an abstract of the interim clinical results for 'RZ-001', its RNA-based anti-cancer drug for hepatocellular carcinoma, at 'AACR 2026', which is being held in San Diego, USA, from April 17 to April 22 (local time). The oral presentation will take place on April 19 (local time).

RZ-001 is an RNA trans-splicing-based gene therapy. It has received orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This clinical trial targeted patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had no prior systemic therapy and for whom transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was either ineffective or not feasible. RZ-001 was administered in combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab.

According to the disclosed abstract, the objective response rate (ORR) was 38.5% by tumor size assessment (RECIST criteria) and 53.8% by hepatocellular carcinoma-specific assessment (mRECIST criteria). The complete response (CR) rate by mRECIST criteria was 23%. Both the ORR and CR rates were higher compared to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, which is the current standard first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Jungwoo Hong, Vice President of Algonomics, stated, "Since additional data has been accumulated after the abstract submission, we will present updated results during the oral presentation," adding, "As these are interim results, we should be cautious about making direct comparisons to other clinical trials or over-interpreting the findings."