Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies are set to unveil clinical data on new cancer drug candidates at Europe’s largest oncology conference. Attention is focused on whether these late-stage pipelines will lead to technology transfers and joint development opportunities.
According to industry sources, numerous Korean biotech firms will present clinical data at the annual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO 2026) conference, scheduled for October 23-27 in Madrid, Spain.
ABL Bio's partner, Compass Therapeutics, will orally present results from Phase 2/3 trials of the cholangiocarcinoma treatment candidate, Tovesimig (ABL001). This randomized, controlled trial compared the combination of Tovesimig and paclitaxel against paclitaxel alone in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
ABL Bio CEO Lee Sang-hoon stated, "Being selected for an oral presentation at ESMO indicates that the clinical data in the cholangiocarcinoma area is being viewed positively." ABL Bio will also disclose follow-up data from a Phase 1b trial of Givastomig (ABL111), which is being developed as a first-line treatment for gastric cancer.
HLB's U.S. subsidiary, Elevab Therapeutics, will present research related to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) targeted therapy, Riboceranib. The results of a Phase 2 investigator-initiated trial in patients with metastatic thymic epithelial tumors have been selected for a Rapid Oral Presentation session.
Additionally, results from a global Phase 3 trial, CARES-310, involving Riboceranib combined with the immunotherapy Camrelizumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma will be presented in poster format. This analysis evaluates the impact of early antibiotic use on the treatment efficacy of the combination therapy.
Biohaven, which received technology transfer from Aimd Bio, will present clinical data on an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). This pipeline is being developed for various solid tumors, including bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and glioblastoma.
Rigakem Bioscience will share the development status of an ADC candidate targeting Claudin 18.2, with plans to initiate clinical trials in the third quarter of this year. SillaJen will showcase Phase 1 data for its next-generation cancer candidate, BAL0891, evaluating the safety and efficacy of BAL0891 alone and in combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors.
A common theme among the participating Korean companies is their focus on ADCs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, areas of high interest for global pharmaceutical companies. Notably, some pipelines have advanced beyond initial candidate introductions to present actual patient data and treatment efficacy.
An industry insider noted, "Typically, global pharmaceutical companies review clinical data and safety and efficacy results presented at conferences to determine whether to pursue technology licensing or joint development. There is growing anticipation that the data unveiled at this ESMO could lead to subsequent technology transfers and global partnerships."
Meanwhile, according to the market research firm IQVIA, global spending on cancer drugs is projected to rise from $252 billion in 2024 to $441 billion by 2029.
According to industry sources, numerous Korean biotech firms will present clinical data at the annual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO 2026) conference, scheduled for October 23-27 in Madrid, Spain.
ABL Bio's partner, Compass Therapeutics, will orally present results from Phase 2/3 trials of the cholangiocarcinoma treatment candidate, Tovesimig (ABL001). This randomized, controlled trial compared the combination of Tovesimig and paclitaxel against paclitaxel alone in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
ABL Bio CEO Lee Sang-hoon stated, "Being selected for an oral presentation at ESMO indicates that the clinical data in the cholangiocarcinoma area is being viewed positively." ABL Bio will also disclose follow-up data from a Phase 1b trial of Givastomig (ABL111), which is being developed as a first-line treatment for gastric cancer.
HLB's U.S. subsidiary, Elevab Therapeutics, will present research related to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) targeted therapy, Riboceranib. The results of a Phase 2 investigator-initiated trial in patients with metastatic thymic epithelial tumors have been selected for a Rapid Oral Presentation session.
Additionally, results from a global Phase 3 trial, CARES-310, involving Riboceranib combined with the immunotherapy Camrelizumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma will be presented in poster format. This analysis evaluates the impact of early antibiotic use on the treatment efficacy of the combination therapy.
Biohaven, which received technology transfer from Aimd Bio, will present clinical data on an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). This pipeline is being developed for various solid tumors, including bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and glioblastoma.
Rigakem Bioscience will share the development status of an ADC candidate targeting Claudin 18.2, with plans to initiate clinical trials in the third quarter of this year. SillaJen will showcase Phase 1 data for its next-generation cancer candidate, BAL0891, evaluating the safety and efficacy of BAL0891 alone and in combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors.
A common theme among the participating Korean companies is their focus on ADCs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, areas of high interest for global pharmaceutical companies. Notably, some pipelines have advanced beyond initial candidate introductions to present actual patient data and treatment efficacy.
An industry insider noted, "Typically, global pharmaceutical companies review clinical data and safety and efficacy results presented at conferences to determine whether to pursue technology licensing or joint development. There is growing anticipation that the data unveiled at this ESMO could lead to subsequent technology transfers and global partnerships."
Meanwhile, according to the market research firm IQVIA, global spending on cancer drugs is projected to rise from $252 billion in 2024 to $441 billion by 2029.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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