CellBion, a South Korean radiopharmaceutical developer, is targeting global expansion with its lead asset, Lu-177-DGUL, following its recent Kosdaq listing. The company is focusing on developing innovative treatments for prostate cancer, with plans to pursue international technology exports.
Lu-177-DGUL: A Potential Competitor to Pluvicto
Lu-177-DGUL is designed to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), the same indication as Novartis' Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan). CellBion's CEO, Kim Kweon, asserts that clinical trials suggest Lu-177-DGUL demonstrates "equal or superior efficacy compared to Pluvicto." This advantage is attributed to the introduction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bonds, which reduce aluminum binding and potentially minimize side effects.
Promising Phase 2 Interim Results
Currently in Phase 2 trials in Korea, Lu-177-DGUL has shown encouraging interim results. The objective response rate (ORR) is reported at 38.5%, compared to Pluvicto’s 28.9%. Imaging evaluations reveal a complete response (CR) of 12.8% and a partial response (PR) of 25.6%.
A key advantage highlighted by CellBion is the improved safety profile of Lu-177-DGUL. Kim explained that the incidence rate of adverse events related to radioactive exposure is lower with CellBion's agent compared to Pluvicto. "Most of our agent is excreted through the kidneys without significant metabolism in the liver," Kim stated, emphasizing its enhanced metabolic stability and faster elimination due to its high hydrophilicity.
Strategic Market Positioning and Expansion Plans
CellBion aims to complete the Phase 2 trial in the first half of next year and is pursuing early domestic launch through conditional approval in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company projects substantial revenue growth from Lu-177-DGUL, estimating an increase from 3.321 billion won ($2.5 million) in its first year to 42.93 billion won by 2027.
To secure its market position, CellBion is strategically applying for substance, formulation, and dosage patents for Lu-177-DGUL in 15 countries, including the U.S. and Europe. The company is also implementing an evergreen strategy to extend patent durations by optimizing formulation technology and incorporating combination therapy trials, aiming for patent protection until 2048.
CellBion plans to expand its indications to include early-stage prostate cancer and pursue global markets through partnerships. "We will engage in global clinical trials with big pharma through a licensing-out approach," Kim stated.
