Handok will present three oncology research posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, which will be held in Chicago, USA, from April 25 to 30.

The poster presentations will cover research on a next-generation EGFR mutation degrader for lung cancer treatment, a KRAS G12D mutation-targeted protein degrader, and a novel dual inhibitor targeting FGFR and HDAC. Handok is jointly developing these anticancer agents with BNJ Biopharma and Pymedbio by leveraging its targeted protein degradation platform and dual-target platform. These studies are currently in the preclinical development stage.

The EGFR mutation degrader for lung cancer treatment is being developed as a new therapy to overcome resistance to osimertinib. Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has been expanded as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients, but resistance mutations remain a significant limitation. Research results show that Handok’s candidate effectively degrades various EGFR mutant proteins, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Animal studies confirmed its potential as a next-generation therapy to overcome osimertinib resistance.

KRAS mutations are among the most common oncogenic drivers, occurring in approximately 30% of solid tumors. In particular, the KRAS G12D mutation is frequently observed in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Handok’s novel protein degrader selectively targeting KRAS G12D has the potential to be applied across multiple cancer types. At AACR, Handok will present data showing that the candidate selectively degrades KRAS G12D protein and demonstrates strong anti-tumor activity. In animal studies, intermittent dosing achieved superior efficacy compared to competing drugs.

The novel dual inhibitor acts on both FGFR and HDAC pathways. FGFR gene alterations are commonly observed in various solid tumors and are known as major oncogenic drivers in bladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Research results indicate that this compound simultaneously inhibits FGFR and HDAC and shows potential to overcome bypass resistance.

Byunggon Moon, Head of Handok Central Research Institute, stated, “Last year, we presented one poster at AACR; this year, we are presenting three, sharing more research results. We will continue to focus on developing innovative anticancer drugs that go beyond the limitations of existing treatments to help cancer patients.”

Meanwhile, Handok is committed not only to in-house research but also to new drug development through open innovation strategies. Handok’s co-developed therapy HDB001A (tovecimig) with U.S.-based Compass Therapeutics successfully met its primary endpoint in global Phase 2/3 trials for second-line cholangiocarcinoma patients. Handok is strengthening its oncology business competitiveness and collaborating with global companies to build a diverse anticancer portfolio in areas of high unmet medical need. Currently, Handok exclusively supplies Defitelio® for hepatic veno-occlusive disease, Vyxeos® for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia, Pemazyre® for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and Minjuvi® for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Korea.