SK Biopharmaceuticals Broadens Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Portfolio with New Licensing Agreement

SK Biopharmaceuticals, based in Seoul, South Korea, has recently made a significant stride in the radiopharmaceutical sector by entering into an exclusive licensing agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for a promising radiopharmaceutical candidate known as WT-7695. This agreement marks the company's second asset in the radiopharmaceutical therapy field, following its initial acquisition of SKL35501 in 2024.

Expansion of the Portfolio and Strategic Alliances


The licensing deal grants SK Biopharmaceuticals exclusive global rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize WT-7695, a preclinical-stage radiopharmaceutical therapy aimed at overexpressed carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) in various cancer types, particularly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The potential market impact is substantial, given that CA9 is a well-validated target owing to its critical role in tumor development and metastasis. By collaborating with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, SK Biopharmaceuticals harnesses innovative research tailored towards unchecked cancer growth.

Moreover, the move to enhance its therapeutic pipeline showcases SK Biopharmaceuticals' strategic approach of building a comprehensive radiopharmaceutical value chain. This encompasses drug discovery, the sourcing of radioisotopes, and conducting preclinical and clinical developments. The agreement also signals SK's deepening focus on cancer therapies, where unmet medical needs continue to escalate globally.

The Promise of WT-7695


WT-7695 represents an exciting opportunity within the realm of cancer treatment, having shown strong binding affinities and tumor selectivity during preclinical trials. These trials indicated prolonged tumor retention and complete inhibition of tumor growth, underscoring WT-7695’s promise as a best-in-class radiopharmaceutical therapy. Its specific targeting of CA9 allows for the potential of minimal impact on healthy tissues while maximizing therapeutic effects on tumors, which is a critical advancement in the field. SK Biopharmaceuticals expects to kickstart global clinical trials, including those in the U.S., to further evaluate WT-7695’s therapeutic efficacy.

Commitment to Collaboration


Erik Iverson, CEO of WARF, highlighted the significance of this partnership, expressing that the collaboration aims to accelerate the development of promising therapies. Donghoon Lee, CEO of SK Biopharmaceuticals, also underscored that this agreement is a vital step towards diversifying the company’s radiopharmaceutical portfolio and boosting its R&D efforts globally. This expansion aligns with SK Biopharmaceuticals’ broader strategy to engage in meaningful partnerships while building their internal capabilities.

In conclusion, the partnership between SK Biopharmaceuticals and WARF is not just about expanding product offerings; it's a strategic move that places both entities at the forefront of innovative cancer therapy development. As SK Biopharmaceuticals continues to innovate within the radiopharmaceutical space, the focus remains firmly on delivering substantial solutions that meet significant patient needs worldwide. This promises a hopeful future for cancer patients in search of effective treatments.

About SK Biopharmaceuticals


SK Biopharmaceuticals operates under the umbrella of SK Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. Specializing in biopharmaceuticals, the company emphasizes research and development aimed at central nervous system disorders and oncology. With a promising pipeline and a commitment to sustainable business practices, SK Biopharmaceuticals is prepared to tackle the challenges in healthcare with innovative solutions.

About WARF


Established for nearly a century, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation promotes the commercialization of university research through various collaborations and ventures. Their efforts have resulted in significant advancements in medical and technological fields, providing a solid foundation for innovative partnerships like that with SK Biopharmaceuticals.

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