SunRock Biopharma and Escugen have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop SRB123, a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) for the treatment of multiple solid tumors, including pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers.
Novel ADC Platform Combination
The collaboration leverages SunRock's proprietary SRB1 antibody, which was selected for its high binding affinity and efficient tumor cell internalization capabilities, combined with Escugen's EZWi-Fit™ linker-payload platform. This next-generation ADC technology is optimized for linker stability and selective tumor release of potent payloads, resulting in a highly differentiated therapeutic candidate designed exclusively for solid tumors with high CCR9 expression and internalization rates.
"Combining our deep antibody engineering expertise with Escugen's innovative conjugation platform enables us to deliver a precision oncology candidate with First-in-Class potential," said Dr. Laureano Simón, CEO of SunRock. "CCR9 remains an underexploited but clinically validated target. This program addresses real unmet needs in aggressive tumors with poor prognosis."
Strategic Partnership Structure
Under the agreement, both companies will share development responsibilities, file joint patents, and hold reciprocal licensing option rights. The primary objective is to generate robust preclinical proof-of-concept data to support early clinical entry in the near term.
Dr. Qing Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Escugen, emphasized the strategic alignment: "This strategic collaboration with SunRock Biopharma aligns with our vision of developing First-in-Class precision oncology candidates through technological innovation. It further highlights the unique advantages of our EZWi-Fit™ platform technology in next-generation ADC development. The platform's strong anti-tumor activity and favorable tolerability provide a solid foundation for targeting high CCR9-expressing solid tumors."
CCR9 as a Therapeutic Target
CCR9 has been associated with metastatic potential and chemoresistance, particularly in pancreatic and ovarian cancers. SRB1, the unconjugated antibody from SunRock, has already demonstrated strong preclinical efficacy in these cancer models. The ADC format (SRB123) leverages this targeting capability while enhancing tumor cell killing through Escugen's payload delivery system.
Development Timeline and Partnerships
The partnership will be showcased during the BIO International Convention 2025, where both companies plan to engage with potential development and commercialization partners. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing unmet medical needs in aggressive solid tumors with poor prognosis through innovative ADC technology.
