Investment and research and development (R&D) in the domestic pharmaceutical and biotech industry surrounding targeted protein degraders (TPD), recognized as next-generation drug technology, are gaining momentum. Rather than relying solely on individual candidate substances, the focus has shifted to securing platform technologies that can continuously discover follow-up pipelines, emerging as a new competitive advantage.
According to market research firm Fortune Business Insights, the global TPD market is expected to grow from $5.88 billion this year to $12.44 billion by 2034.
Last month, the TPD treatment 'Vepdegestrant,' co-developed by U.S. biotech company Arvinas and Pfizer, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This approval has drawn significant attention from the industry, as it demonstrates the commercial viability of TPD, which has been discussed as a next-generation technology for several years.
Unlike traditional therapies that inhibit the function of disease-causing proteins, TPD utilizes the cell's protein degradation system to eliminate the proteins themselves. This approach is noted for its potential to reduce toxicity associated with high drug concentrations. It is also evaluated as a next-generation platform capable of targeting proteins that have been difficult to approach with conventional synthetic drugs.
Market expectations are growing. Although most developments are still in preclinical and early stages, investments are expanding domestically as well.
SK Biopharm, which has established a stable cash-generating structure through its epilepsy treatment 'Cenobamate' (marketed in the U.S. as Xcopri), has identified TPD as a future growth pillar. In 2023, the company invested approximately 62 billion won to acquire U.S. TPD specialist Proteovant. Following the acquisition, the organization was restructured into SK Life Science Labs to enhance its research capabilities.
The TPD drug currently under development, 'SKT-18416,' is a p300-targeted degrader. It selectively degrades p300 while minimizing effects on the similar protein CBP, ensuring safety. The drug has also shown tumor growth inhibition effects in models of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and CBP-mutated cancers. The company aims to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the first half of 2027.
An SK Biopharm official stated, "Based on the stable profits from Cenobamate, we are expanding our growth pillars to include next-generation modalities and platform technologies. TPD is being developed as a technology that can repeatedly discover new pipelines through SK Life Science Labs' MOPED platform."
Yuhan Corporation is also focusing on securing next-generation platforms. Following the non-small cell lung cancer drug 'Lazertinib,' the company has prioritized establishing a research organization for next-generation modalities. In January, it established a 'New Modality' division within its central research institute and recruited Jo Hak-ryeol, a former executive from U.S. TPD biotech Chimera Therapeutics, to lead the department.
Hanmi Pharmaceutical is also developing an anti-cancer drug utilizing TPD platform technology. The 'EP300' selective degrader being developed by Hanmi targets cancer cells dependent on the EP300 protein and selectively kills cancer cells with CBP gene mutations.
While TPD is still in its early market stages, some view it as premature to discuss it as a medium- to long-term strategy. However, it is increasingly recognized as a new treatment alternative in areas where existing targeted therapies have shown limitations, leading to growing market expectations.
An industry insider remarked, "Next-generation platform technologies are likely to become targets for strategic partnerships. The ability to stably discover follow-up pipelines, rather than relying on a single candidate substance, will be the benchmark for assessing global competitiveness."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.