OliX Pharmaceuticals held its annual “R&D Day” on April 29, presenting a comprehensive update on its pipeline, platform technologies, and global business strategy. The company spotlighted advances in its GalNAc RNAi platform for liver indications and cp-asiRNA platform for skin and hair regeneration, alongside its global licensing success with Eli Lilly.

Director Kelly Kim introduced the company’s global licensing progress and strategic platform expansion. Executive Director Youngjin Kim outlined investment and financial strategies, while CEO Dong-gi Lee presented OliX’s long-term growth vision and positioning in the global RNAi market.

Director Kelly Kim emphasized OliX’s momentum across two core platforms: the GalNAc RNAi platform for liver diseases and the cp-asiRNA platform for dermatological and regenerative medicine. She noted that these platforms offer proven value, citing strong data and growing global interest.

Highlighting the recent licensing deal with Eli Lilly, Kim described it as a validation of OliX’s scalable technology—not just a program license. The agreement includes upfront payments, milestone conditions, and a dual-targeting option for expanded therapeutic scope. Eli Lilly aims to use the GalNAc platform to develop RNAi treatments for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVM).

Kim added that the platform’s stability and potential to enable first-in-class drugs were key factors in the partnership. She also underscored the recognition OliX received for its work in MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), an area known for high failure rates, further strengthening its credibility in the field.

In the skin and hair segment, OliX is finalizing a research collaboration with a global partner, with discussions advancing toward a broader strategic alliance. “This has been a carefully developed relationship that speaks to the strategic value we bring,” Kim said.

Looking ahead, Kim stated that OliX will pursue both program-specific and platform-wide licensing opportunities in high-demand areas. The GalNAc platform targets obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, while cp-asiRNA is being positioned for broader systemic applications. She noted the company’s readiness to provide custom partnerships, referencing a recent large-scale deal with Hansoh Pharma.

“Our aim is sustainable growth,” Kim concluded. “We’re actively expanding our platforms and network—and more good news is on the way.”

Executive Director Youngjin Kim highlighted OliX’s disciplined approach to investment. R&D spending grew from $7.2 million in 2019 to an estimated $18 million in 2024, now accounting for 77% of total expenses. Of that, 88% is allocated to core programs OLX-104C and OLX-702A. These investments are designed to accelerate clinical progress.

To optimize costs, OliX conducts trials in Australia, which offers favorable regulatory conditions and R&D tax refunds up to 43.5%. “This strategy improves cost efficiency while enhancing internal capabilities,” Kim explained.

Financially, OliX maintains KOSDAQ eligibility through its innovative pharma certification and careful equity management. The company expects to convert outstanding convertible bonds this year to bolster equity. With licensing revenues in foreign currencies (USD, EUR), OliX also benefits from natural hedging against exchange rate volatility.

“If additional capital is needed,” Kim added, “we’ll pursue it with clear objectives and minimal market disruption.”

CEO Dong-gi Lee presented OliX’s positioning within the global RNAi field. “Of the companies that led the early 2000s RNAi wave, only a few—Alnylam, Arrowhead, Silence, and OliX—remain with proprietary platforms,” Lee said. “We’re now competing at the highest level.”

Lee outlined three key drivers of OliX’s future growth:

1. Dual-Target RNAi Therapeutics with Eli Lilly
OliX is identifying new co-development candidates with Eli Lilly, with the potential to expand the partnership based on success.

2. Regenerative Medicine Collaborations
Joint research is underway with a major global player in skin and hair regeneration, with the potential for wider development depending on outcomes.

3. Expanded Indications for OLX-301A
Initially developed for EGFR inhibition, OLX-301A has shown promise in treating dry eye syndrome. OliX is now in active licensing talks with multiple pharmaceutical firms offering strong deal terms.

Additionally, Lee introduced a next-generation RNAi delivery platform aimed at extra-hepatic targets. “We’ve narrowed the technology gap with Alnylam from 7–8 years to under one,” he said. Clinical trials for CVM indications are expected by late next year or early 2026.

Lee concluded with a positive financial outlook. Thanks to recent licensing deals, OliX anticipates its first operating profit since inception. “We expect milestone payments next year to further boost our earnings,” he said, stressing this reflects a sustainable R&D-driven business model.

OliX will unveil its 2030 mid- to long-term strategy—including plans for platform expansion, market growth, and talent acquisition—at its next R&D Day in the second half of the year.