ImmuneOncia Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology startup based in South Korea, has entered into a strategic partnership with WuXi Biologics through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the development and manufacturing of IOH-001, a novel bispecific antibody targeting both PD-L1 and CD47 pathways.
Strategic Partnership Framework
The collaboration provides ImmuneOncia with comprehensive access to WuXi Biologics' integrated platform services, including cell line development, cell culture development, biologics manufacturing, and bioassay development. This partnership positions the Korean startup to leverage established biomanufacturing expertise while focusing on the therapeutic development of their lead asset.
WuXi Biologics will provide full support for IOH-001's Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) studies required for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application. This comprehensive support encompasses the critical regulatory pathway components needed to advance IOH-001 toward clinical trials.
Dual-Target Therapeutic Approach
IOH-001 represents a bispecific antibody design targeting two distinct immune checkpoint pathways: PD-L1 and CD47. This dual-targeting approach aims to address multiple mechanisms of immune evasion commonly employed by cancer cells, potentially offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to single-target approaches.
Leadership Perspective
Heung Tae Kim, CEO of ImmuneOncia, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership, stating that "WuXi Biologics' comprehensive capabilities on bispecifics development and manufacturing will enable us to focus on realizing the therapeutic potential of IOH-001." Kim highlighted that access to WuXi Biologics' technologies will help ensure "efficacious and sustainable development" of their therapeutic candidate.
The CEO also indicated broader ambitions for the partnership, expressing interest in expanding collaboration to "bring more innovative biologics for patients in South Korea" beyond the current IOH-001 program.
Manufacturing and Development Support
The partnership structure allows ImmuneOncia to access WuXi Biologics' established infrastructure and expertise in bispecific antibody development, a complex therapeutic modality requiring specialized manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration model enables the Korean startup to advance their program without the need to develop internal manufacturing capabilities at the clinical stage.
The focus on CMC studies support indicates the partnership's immediate goal of preparing IOH-001 for regulatory submission and potential clinical evaluation, representing a critical milestone in the drug development process for this dual-target immuno-oncology therapeutic.
