Full-Life Technologies, SK Biopharmaceuticals Sign Licensing Deal for New Solid Tumor Therapy

Full-Life Technologies and SK Biopharmaceuticals have officially announced a major licensing agreement worth $571.5 million to advance the development of Full-Life's FL-091 radiopharmaceutical compound for global anti-cancer treatments. This landmark deal grants SK Biopharmaceuticals exclusive worldwide rights to the clinical research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the radiopharmaceutical compound, which targets neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) positive cancers.

FL-091 is a small-molecule radioligand vector designed to deliver targeted radiation therapy by selectively binding to NTSR1, a receptor protein overexpressed in several solid tumors such as colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. This innovative approach is poised to enhance cancer treatment by specifically targeting cancer cells, potentially minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Under the terms of the agreement, SK Biopharmaceuticals will invest in both upfront payments and milestone-based payments throughout the development and commercialization phases, separate from royalties. Additionally, SK Biopharmaceuticals has secured the right of first negotiation for licensing other pre-selected Radionuclide Drug Conjugate (RDC) programs from Full-Life.

Lanny Sun, CEO of Full-Life Technologies, highlighted the significance of the partnership with SK Biopharmaceuticals, emphasizing the potential of FL-091 in advancing cancer treatment. Sun remarked on SK Biopharmaceuticals' commitment to innovation in oncology and expressed optimism about future collaborations and leveraging SK Biopharmaceuticals' expertise and resources to advance radiopharmaceutical therapy. He stated, “The agreement aligns with our strategic vision of fostering global partnerships and making a meaningful impact on patients worldwide.”

Donghoon Lee, CEO and President of SK Biopharmaceuticals, lauded the agreement as a strategic milestone that not only brings the two companies closer for future collaborations but also propels SK Biopharmaceuticals towards becoming a leading entity in the biotech sector. Lee noted that the company's strategic roadmap to venture into radiopharmaceuticals, introduced last year, is on track. He anticipates revealing and implementing comprehensive business plans for radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) within the year, aiming for active clinical development and commercialization to offer new treatment options globally.

FL-091 represents a promising advancement in cancer treatment. This novel small-molecule radioligand vector targets NTSR1-positive solid tumors, with overexpression of NTSR1 linked to the progression of multiple cancer types, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Preclinical studies of FL-091 radioligands have demonstrated favorable biodistribution profiles, enhanced binding affinity to NTSR1, and encouraging anti-tumor activities.

Full-Life Technologies is a global radiotherapeutics company operating in Belgium, Germany, and China, dedicated to pioneering innovative research to address fundamental challenges in radiopharmaceuticals. The company aims to own the entire value chain for radiopharmaceutical research, development, production, and commercialization, driven by a team of experienced scientists and entrepreneurs.

SK Biopharmaceuticals, a global biotech company, focuses on developing treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and oncology. The company made significant strides by independently developing and commercializing the antiseizure medication cenobamate (brand name: XCOPRI®) in the U.S. It has treated over 100,000 patients globally and continues to expand its pipeline with compounds in development for both CNS disorders and oncology. SK Biopharmaceuticals is committed to discovering new treatments to address significant medical needs in oncology.