Eucure Biopharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sino-US contract research organization (CRO) Biocytogen, has entered into a partnership agreement with South Korea-based ISU ABXIS Co., Ltd (ISU ABXIS, KOSDAQ: 086890). Under the agreement, ISU ABXIS has been granted the use of Eucure’s YH003 sequence to develop multiple tri-specific antibodies for the treatment of various tumors. Eucure Bio will receive an undisclosed amount in upfront payment, milestone payments, and future sales-based commissions.
YH003: Mechanism and Clinical Progress
YH003 is a humanized IgG2 agonistic antibody targeting the CD40 receptor, promoting the activation of antigen-presenting cells and positively regulating the effector activity of anti-tumor T cells. The drug has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in CD40 mouse tumor models, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with PD-1 inhibitors, without causing hepatotoxicity. Currently, a Phase II multi-region clinical trial is underway, assessing YH003 in patients with irresectable/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and irresectable/metastatic melanoma.-Fineline Info & Tech
