Severance Hospital

Clinical trials of AST-201, a liver cancer drug using Aptamer-Drug Conjugate technology, will start soon at four Korean institutions. The phase 1 trial aims to assess safety and tolerability in 36 GPC3-positive advanced solid tumor patients, with efficacy exploration planned. The first dose is expected in January 2025.

TiCARos' “Switchable CAR-T” technology, developed by Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University, was published in Nature Communications on Nov. 18. The study shows switchable CAR-T's efficacy in treating various cancers, including solid tumors, by selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. TiCARos is conducting phase 1 clinical trials and collaborating with Cartherics to expand into the CAR-NK field.

Vyloy, the first Claudin 18.2-targeted gastric cancer drug, was approved in Korea, but its complex reimbursement system may limit patient access. The Korean Cancer Association plans to address policy issues, as the approval of Roche Diagnostics' companion diagnostic device for Claudin 18.2 is under review by HIRA, potentially delaying the drug's use.

J INTS BIO presented interim results of its 4th-generation EGFR-TKI, JIN-A02, at ENA Symposium, showing promising safety and efficacy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients resistant to 3rd-generation TKIs. JIN-A02 targets both original and acquired mutations, with early tumor control and favorable tolerability observed.

Hyungjin Rhee, Center for Digital Health Strategy director at Yonsei University College of Medicine, shares that it will be applied to generate summaries in the emergency department.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study evaluated the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of AML plus CC versus AML monotherapy in Korean patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Patients underwent a 4-week AML monotherapy run-in period, followed by randomization to combination therapy or AML monotherapy for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was DBP change at week 8, with additional assessments at weeks 4, 12, and 16. Safety was monitored through adverse events. The study aimed for KMFDS approval for the AML/CC fixed-dose combination.