SK bolsters oncology pipeline in radiopharmaceutical licensing deal

Core Insights - SK Biopharmaceuticals has in-licensed its second radiopharmaceutical, WT-7695, from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to enhance its oncology pipeline [1][2] - The acquisition grants SK exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and market WT-7695, a small molecule targeting the CA9 protein, which is significant in various cancers [2][3] - Preclinical studies suggest WT-7695 has the potential to be a "best-in-class radiopharmaceutical candidate" [3] Company Developments - SK will conduct global clinical trials for WT-7695 in the US following its acquisition [4] - The company previously licensed another radiopharmaceutical, SKL35501, targeting neurotensin receptor 1, in July 2024 [4][5] - The addition of WT-7695 and SKL35501 diversifies SK's pipeline, which has primarily focused on central nervous system (CNS) drugs [5] Industry Trends - CA9 is emerging as a target in oncology, with interest from various institutions in the Asia-Pacific region [6] - Australian biopharma company Telix Pharmaceuticals plans to initiate its first in-human study for its CA9-targeting drug, TLX-252, in 2026 [6] - Japanese biotech PeptiDream has filed an IND application for its CA9-binding radiopharmaceutical, [225Ac]PD-32766, aiming to enter Phase I trials for ccRCC [7]