LG Chem has launched a full-scale effort to develop an innovative anticancer drug targeting an unexplored therapeutic target. The company aims to strengthen its global new drug competitiveness by pursuing a strategy that attacks genetic mutations where existing treatments remain limited.
LG Chem said Wednesday it signed a global exclusive development and commercialization license agreement with U.S. biotech Frontier Medicines for FMC-220, an anticancer drug candidate approaching Phase 1 clinical trials. Under the deal, LG Chem secured worldwide rights excluding China. The agreement involves an upfront payment, with additional milestone payments tied to development stages and sales royalties.
FMC-220 features a mechanism that targets a specific mutation in the tumor suppressor protein p53. It is a p53 Y220C activator that acts on the p53 Y220C mutation to restore damaged protein function. The Y220C mutation refers to a change at the 220th amino acid of the p53 protein, where tyrosine is replaced by cysteine.
The mutation is a key target found in approximately 1 to 3 percent of all cancer patients. However, structural limitations of the protein have made drug binding difficult, and the target has long been classified as "undruggable." The new candidate is considered an approach that overcomes these limitations.
LG Chem noted that FMC-220 employs a covalent bond-based design. The structure maintains an irreversible bond with the target protein. The company explained that this offers higher binding stability and longer-lasting efficacy compared to conventional non-covalent approaches.
Preclinical results have also been positive. Strong anticancer efficacy and sustained response were confirmed even at low doses. Anticancer activity was maintained in tumor models with concurrent KRAS mutations. The potential for expansion to diverse cancer patient populations was also demonstrated.
LG Chem has designated ovarian cancer, where the p53 Y220C mutation frequency is relatively high, as its initial indication. The company plans to expand indications to various solid tumors in the future.
Clinical development is also accelerating. LG Chem plans to initiate a Phase 1 trial targeting solid tumor patients, including ovarian cancer, in the United States and South Korea within this year. The strategy involves leveraging the network of AVEO Oncology, its U.S. oncology subsidiary, to strengthen global clinical capabilities.
"FMC-220 is an approach that precisely targets genetic mutations where treatment options are limited," said Son Ji-woong, head of LG Chem's Life Sciences division. "We will work to verify through clinical trials whether this can lead to a meaningful treatment option for patients."