Domestic biotech companies are set to make a significant presence at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), one of the world's top three cancer conferences. The clinical data presented at the conference often leads to technology transfer negotiations with global pharmaceutical companies, making it a strategic opportunity to enhance partnerships abroad based on the competitiveness of their cancer drug pipelines.
According to industry sources on October 19, companies such as ABL Bio, HLB, Aimed Bio, Ligand Chem Bioscience, Curient, SillaJen, Aptabio, and Lunit will participate in ESMO 2026, which will be held in Madrid, Spain, from October 23 to 27 (local time).
ABL Bio plans to present clinical data for its bispecific antibody immuno-oncology drugs, Zivastomig (ABL111) and Rajastomig (ABL503), in poster sessions at the conference.
Both candidates utilize ABL Bio's 4-1BB-based bispecific antibody platform, Grabbody-T. Zivastomig targets the protein Claudin18.2, commonly found in gastric and pancreatic cancers, while Rajastomig targets the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1. Both substances are being co-developed with NovaBridge Biosciences in the United States.
Notably, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportedly recommended additional clinical trials to demonstrate improved survival rates before approving the application for Toveshimig last September. The detailed data to be presented at this conference is expected to serve as a key indicator for future approval strategies. Lee Sang-hoon, CEO of ABL Bio, stated, "We are preparing for the next clinical development phase of Zivastomig while also expanding research on combination therapies for Rajastomig."
HLB will present three studies through its U.S. subsidiary Elevate Therapeutics. The results of a Phase 2 clinical trial of the targeted cancer drug Riboceranib for metastatic thymic epithelial tumors have been selected for a rapid oral presentation session. Additionally, a subgroup analysis of a Phase 3 trial for liver cancer combining Riboceranib with the immuno-oncology drug Camrelizumab, as well as safety analysis results for the cholangiocarcinoma treatment Liraglutide, will be presented in poster format.
Early-stage antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) will also be showcased. Aimed Bio's FGFR3-targeted ADC, AMB302, which has been licensed to U.S. company Biohaven, will present Phase 1 clinical data at the conference. Biohaven is also planning to pursue combination trials with Regeneron's immuno-oncology drug Libtayo.
Ligand Chem Bioscience will present two posters detailing non-clinical results and the design of global Phase 1 and 2 trials for its CLDN18.2-targeted ADC, LCB02A. The trials will involve up to 191 patients with recurrent and refractory CLDN18.2-positive progressive solid tumors.
Curient will present Phase 1 clinical results for its CDK7 inhibitor, Mokasiklip (Q901), targeting progressive solid tumors, while SillaJen will showcase results from Phase 1 trials of its drug BAL0891, both alone and in combination with paclitaxel. Lunit will present five abstracts from studies utilizing its AI-based biomarker platform, Lunit Scope.
However, many of the data presented are early-stage results from Phase 1 trials or study designs, highlighting the need for further clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety.
An industry insider noted, "The interpretation of overall survival for Toveshimig in late-stage clinical trials and the U.S. approval pathway will serve as a litmus test for the credibility of domestic cancer drugs. It remains to be seen whether the conference presentations will lead to technology transfers and approval strategies beyond mere data disclosure."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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