Auto part company confirms potential of novel antibody drug

Breaking into biotech

Unveils interim results of Phase 1 trial for its bispecific anticancer immunotherapy…drug tolerance·effectiveness have been partially confirmed

Entered the biotech industry after acquiring DiNonA in 2021…conducts novel drug development research for anticancer agents·autoimmune diseases

Kumho HT's candidate product for cancer immunotherapy demonstrated drug tolerance and effectiveness in human-subject clinical trials.

 

At the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2024, held for three days from December 6, the Phase 1 clinical trial result of Kumho HT's DNP-002, a new anticancer drug, has been unveiled.

 

Kumho HT anticipates collaboration with global pharmaceutical companies based on the results from the Phase 1 clinical trial.

 

In 2021, Kumho HT, an automotive electronics company, acquired the antibody drug developer DiNonA, officially making an entry into the biotechnology sector.

 

The company's largest shareholder, S-MAC, aims to secure a new revenue stream through this acquisition, diversifying its business portfolio beyond electronic components and materials.

 

Based on DiNonA's antibody drug development platform, Kumho HT is developing anticancer agents, immune modulators, and COVID-19 therapies.

 

Cancer immunotherapy with a novel mechanism demonstrates results in the Phase 1 trial

Kumhu HT

According to industry sources on December 9, Kumho HT unveiled the Phase 1 trial result of its 'DNP-002,' a candidate product for cancer immunotherapy targeting CEACAM6, at ESMO ASIA.

 

The current result has been presented in about four years after the approval of the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) in South Korea in 2020.

 

DNP-002 targets 'CEACAM6,' a protein overexpressed in cancer cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC).

 

By targeting both tumor and MDSC, it re-activates the patient's immune system.

 

CEACAM is a novel target protein known to selectively target regulatory T cells expressed within tumors without affecting T cells.

 

Cancer immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting CEACAM 1, 5, and 6 are undergoing clinical trials for major solid tumors such as gastric and esophageal cancers.

 

The clinical trial involved 36 patients with solid tumors registered at Asan Medical Center in Seoul and the National Cancer Center.

 

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of DNP-002.

 

Participants were 18 years or older, had a prior treatment history, and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) of 1 or lower.

 

Higher ECOG scores indicate more severe symptoms.

 

The cohort was divided into four groups based on patient characteristics.

 

Clinical results showed that 1 out of 12 patients who could be evaluated for tumor assessment had a partial response (PR) of over 30% reduction in cancer cells.

 

Seven patients were confirmed to have a stable disease (SD) with maintained tumor size.

 

Patients with esophageal cancer registered to another cohort group showed a total of 69% reduction in tumor size compared to the baseline of administration and maintained PR for 30 weeks.

 

Researchers stated, "0.03mg/kg of DNP002 treatment demonstrated a partial response and drug tolerance.

 

We are conducting a study to determine the maximum drug dosage." Automotive electronics company acquires a novel drug developer, making an entry into the biotech industry An automotive electronics company, Kumho HT, began generating results in developing cancer immunotherapy in 2021.

 

At that time, Kumho HT's largest shareholder, S-MAC's Chief Executive Officer & Director Kyung-Suk Cho, acquired DiNonA, a company developing novel antibody drugs.

 

Cho established a corporate governance structure spanning Ohsung Advanced Materials-S-MAC-Kumho HT-DiNonA-Hwail Pharmaceutical through 'East Burgundy,' a management consulting firm wholly owned by Cho.

 

Cho identified biotechnology as a future cash cow, transitioning from a business structure focused on automotive parts and materials.

 

DiNonA, acquired by Kumho HT, specializes in antibody-based drug development and is currently conducting clinical trials for three anticancer drug candidates.

 

One of these is 'DNP-002,' for which the Phase 1 clinical trial results were recently disclosed.

 

Additionally, the company is conducting the clinical development of 'DNP-007,' an immunosuppressant candidate that received IND approval for Phase 1 in 2021.

 

Previously, in 2018, DiNonA also licensed four antibody drug candidates to Aprogen.

 

Kumho HT

DNP-007 modulates dendritic cells and targets an antibody that induces acquired immune tolerance.

 

Immune tolerance is the process by which immune cells are prevented from attacking one of our cells.

 

Without proper immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis can occur.

 

DNP-007 is an antibody therapy known as MD-3, a humanized anti-ICAM-1 antibody that employs a novel mechanism to induce immunosuppression in transplanted organs by modulating dendritic cells.

 

The company is conducting joint research with Seoul National University Hospital for DNP-007.

 

According to recently released preclinical study results, monkeys that received continuous administration of DNP-007 maintained normal liver function for over three years, while those treated with conventional immunosuppressants survived less than three months.

 

The company aims to develop 'DNP-007' as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, which are known to cause severe side effects such as diabetes, neurotoxicity, renal dysfunction, and alopecia.

 

Based on the antibody drug candidates acquired through DiNonA, Kumho HT is exploring the potential for developing a wide range of antibody-based therapies in addition to the field of oncology.

 

The company has completed Phase 1 clinical trials for its leukemia antibody therapy 'DNP-001.' An ongoing study is also being conducted for the COVID-19 treatment 'DNP-019' and the atopic dermatitis therapy 'KHT-2031' for pets.