PMC-309 is an immune check point inhibitor (ICI) that activates immune cells in the body. It targets V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) receptors which are mainly expressed on Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are known for suppressing immune activities of T cells and inhibiting MDSCs would result in immune activities of T cells. This mechanism is different from that of existing immunotherapy drugs that directly activate T cells, so it can be used in both mono and combo for patients who show low response rates or have developed resistance to existing drugs. According to the non-clinical data presented by PharmAbcine at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April this year, PMC-309 showed significantly improved anti-cancer effect when used in combination a PD-1 drug, thus proving its potential for use in immuno-oncology. Toxicity studies for PMC-309 commenced in April this year, and a global Phase 1 clinical trial is expected in 2022.

Establishment of U.S Subsidiary to Expand into Other Fields

Following its initial public offering (IPO) in 2018, PharmAbcine founded Wincal Biopharm in San Francisco, USA. Wincal Biopharm was established to expand PharmAbcine’s portfolio in non-oncology indications, and both companies entered into a licensing agreement in April 2020. This agreement will allow Wincal to utilize PharmAbcine’s existing pipelines for the development of drugs in neovascular and non-oncology fields.

PharmAbcine is diversifying its portfolio with the addition of new drug candidates inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, followed by non-oncology vascular therapeutics and immuno-oncology candidates. The immuno-oncology candidates, in particular, can be used in combination with new drug candidates that inhibit tumor angiogenesis, which will help strengthen their competitiveness on the market. Moreover, the experience and know-how gained by the staff, while carrying out clinical trials with internationally recognized medical professionals, will contribute to the company’s pipeline development in the future.

PharmAbcine is striving to become a global biotech company that contributes to humanity by restoring people’s health. To this end, the company is continually fortifying its pipelines and discovering new candidates to emerge as an innovative leader in new drug development.