Dong-A ST announced on April 24 that it presented ten preclinical research findings related to its next-generation cancer pipeline at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR 2026) conference. The presentations, made in collaboration with its subsidiary Aptis, an ADC specialist, included results on PARP7 inhibitors, EGFR-targeted protein degraders, and bispecific antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
In preclinical studies of its proprietary PARP7 inhibitor SC5024, Dong-A ST demonstrated a dual anticancer mechanism that both suppresses cancer cells and stimulates immune activation. This finding suggests potential for both standalone and combination therapies. The company also unveiled an innovative anticancer treatment strategy using EGFR-targeted protein degraders SC3613 and SC3499, co-developed with HK inno.N, which selectively eliminate EGFR mutant proteins.
Dong-A ST and Aptis introduced a cutting-edge therapeutic approach based on their jointly developed bispecific antibody ADC platform. Their Nectin-4×PD-L1, HER2×AXL, and Claudin18.2×HER2 bispecific antibody ADCs, which combine Dong-A ST’s bispecific antibody platform with Aptis’s linker technology, represent precisely designed target combinations. These were developed using patient-derived cell-based omics and artificial intelligence (AI) analysis, aiming to simultaneously address resistance and tumor heterogeneity in cancer patients with significant unmet medical needs.
Additionally, Aptis presented preclinical research results for a novel CD171 ADC targeting solid tumors and the Claudin18.2 ADC, which has progressed to Phase 1 clinical trials.
A highlight of the conference was the participation of Dr. Oh Yoon-seok, Vice President and Chief Science Officer (CSO) of Dong-A ST, and Dr. Choi Hyung-seok, President of Aptis. They showcased their key pipelines and research strategies, engaging in discussions about potential collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies.
Dong-A ST explained that under the leadership of Dr. Oh, who brings valuable experience from multinational pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company is enhancing its decision-making processes and aligning its development strategies with global standards. This approach aims to boost the success rate of their pipeline and establish a robust research and development system capable of consistently producing innovative drugs.
Aptis reported that under Dr. Choi’s guidance, they are advancing their drug development capabilities using their third-generation linker technology, AbClick. The company is focusing on building a distinctive anticancer pipeline centered on bispecific antibody ADCs to expand global partnerships and achieve significant outcomes.
A spokesperson for Dong-A ST stated that the presentations at AACR have effectively demonstrated the global competitiveness of Dong-A ST and Aptis’s anticancer pipeline. It’s committed to leveraging the synergy between the companies to continually expand the differentiated anticancer pipeline and achieve tangible results in the global market.
