SK Biopharma Teams Up with Targeted Protein Degrader Ubix

SK Biopharmaceuticals has announced that it will collaborate with fellow South Korea biotech Ubix Therapeutics to develop targeted protein degraders against cancer. The news comes as SK Biopharma is looking to expand its CNS and oncology portfolio. 

Under the deal, Ubix will use its Degraducer platform to enable targeted protein degradation while SK Biopharma brings their drug development skills to the table. 

SK Biopharma can opt for exclusive rights to candidates after both companies clear early clinical trials. Ubix will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and milestones, as well as a slice of the profits following commercialization. 

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Targeted Protein Degradation 

Ubix’s Degraducer technology works by utilizing the ubiquitin-proteasome system, an intracellular degradation system. Candidates are bifunctional molecules consisting of a ligand, which binds the target protein, and a binder that binds to E3 ubiquitin ligase. The molecules bring targets close to the E3 ligase, making ubiquitination much more likely. The ubiquitinated targets are then degraded by the proteasome complex. 

Last June, Ubix partnered with Debiopharm, a Swiss-based biopharma to develop an anti-cancer modality called antibody Degraducer conjugates. The modality combines Ubix’s Degraducer molecule with Debiopharm’s antibody drug conjugate linker and a therapeutic antibody to improve drug targeting and synergy on tumor cells. 

There has been a steady flow of interest and investment in targeted protein degraders. Celeris, a young biotech founded in 2020, recently managed to secure a development contract with Boehringer Ingelheim after a similar deal with Merck (also known as MSD outside the US and Canada). Other companies working in the space include Kymera Therapeutics, Orum Therapeutics and Plexium.

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Joy Lin

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