Yuhan Pharmaceuticals, led by CEO Wook-Je Cho, has officially entered into a global licensing agreement with Cyrus Therapeutics and Kanaph Therapeutics for the development and commercialization of an anti-cancer agent targeting SOS1. The exclusive global implementation rights were disclosed in a public announcement on March 7th.

The contract outlines the exclusive global rights for the development and commercialization of a compound inhibiting the activity of the SOS1 protein. This protein, known as Son of Sevenless homolog 1, regulates the activity of the KRAS protein, a key player in the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Regardless of the type of KRAS mutation or cancer, SOS1 is considered a promising target for anticancer activity. Major causes of cancers with high incidence rates, such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, involve KRAS and EGFR mutations, highlighting significant unmet medical needs and substantial market potential.

Yuhan Pharmaceuticals envisions that the newly introduced SOS1 inhibitor will enhance therapeutic effects by synergizing with KRAS and EGFR inhibitors, addressing resistance issues associated with existing treatments.

The contract, valued at up to $166 million, includes an initial payment of $4.8 million, with milestone payments based on development, approval, and sales, capped at a maximum of $162 million.

CEO Wook-Je Cho expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, "By securing additional reinforcements to our anticancer drug pipeline through this contract, we have taken a significant step forward in the development of our second and third generations of Lexraza." He added, "We will concentrate all our efforts to swiftly advance to the clinical trial stage." This strategic move aligns with the company's commitment to actively strengthen its anticancer drug pipeline and address critical medical needs.