Reyon Pharmaceutical (Representative Directors: Jung SoonOck, Yoo Yonghwan) announced on June 9, 2022, that the company signed an MOU with Aston Science (CEOs: Jung Hun, Shin Hunwoo) on the 8th for joint R&D and commercializing a plasmid-DNA cancer treatment vaccine.
(Shin Hunwoo (left), CEO of Aston Science, Yoo Yonghwan, Representative Director of Reyon Pharmaceutical (right))
Through this MOU, Reyon Pharmaceutical and Aston Science plan to research to verify the efficacy of Aston Science's plasmid-DNA cancer treatment vaccine while collaborating on future joint technology development and commercial production.
In particular, Reyon Pharmaceutical will conduct overall efficacy verification studies, including research plans and result analysis for the plasmid-DNA cancer treatment vaccine under development by Aston Science. In addition, based on the results of joint R&D, the company will have the preferred right to discuss the “commercialization” of the candidate substance.
A cancer treatment vaccine is an immuno-anticancer drug intended for cancer prevention and treatment in patients with a history of cancer. As early screening has recently become common, vaccines for cancer treatment are attracting attention for their growth potential due to their treatment effects that can prevent recurrence compared to existing cancer treatments with low side effects. “Current Status and Prospect of Cancer Vaccines,” published by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute in March, predicts that the global cancer vaccine market will grow from $3,345 million in 2020 to $7,303 million in 2027.
AST-202, a cancer treatment vaccine under development by Aston Science, targets ovarian cancer, containing DNA epitopes for antigens prevalently found in ovarian cancer to inhibit cancer recurrence and progression by inducing long-term antitumor-immunity against the antigen. In addition, AST-202 has the potential to expand its indications to other solid cancers. The long-term safety and potential efficacy of the plasmid vector used for this drug have been verified through clinical trials of different cancer treatment vaccines.
Aston Science is a portfolio-based clinical development biopharmaceutical company established in 2018, building a diverse drug portfolio primarily for cancer treatment vaccines. The company closed its Series C funding at the end of 2021 based on its growth potential of therapeutic cancer vaccines and expertise. Currently, the company is carrying on phase 2 clinical trials for triple-negative breast cancer in Australia (TGA) and Taiwan (TFDA), each approved in February and April this year.
Yoo Yonghwan, Representative Director of of Reyon Pharmaceutical, said, "Through this MOU, we will do our best to successfully commercialize the plasmid DNA cancer treatment vaccine being developed by Aston Science by utilizing Reyon Pharmaceutical's plasmid DNA research and production capabilities." He added, "Reyon Pharmaceutical continually expands its portfolio through collaboration with several biopharmaceutical companies, focusing on its production capacity of pDNA, a raw material for gene therapy products, and will continue its full-scale growth centered on the Chungju Plant, a comprehensive biopharmaceutical production platform."
Shin Hunwoo, CEO of Aston Science, commented, "Through joint research and development of non-clinical drugs, Aston Science's proven excellent new drug development capabilities for developing cancer treatment vaccines and Reyon Pharmaceutical's advanced gene therapy development and production capabilities should create a strong synergistic effect in the new drug development market." Then, he continued, "This open, innovative collaboration model that can accelerate new drug development and significantly shorten time-to-market can significantly contribute to preventing recurrence for many patients. We will not stop our efforts to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from health risks such as recurrence and metastasis of existing cancer or side effects from cancer treatment."
Meanwhile, Reyon Pharmaceutical has been researching plasmid DNA since the early 2000s and possesses process technology and production facilities for the mass production of high-purity plasmid DNA. Starting with the first CMO order for plasmid DNA last April, the company discusses CMO production and joint development with several companies.
