Handok Unveils 3 Green Anticancer Drugs with American Cancer Research Society
- CHICAGO (AP) — Handok Pharmaceuticals announced today its participation in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25-30, where it will...
- The company will share preclinical data on its next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant degrader for lung cancer, a KRAS G12D protein degrader, and a novel dual...
- handok's EGFR mutant degrader is designed to overcome resistance to osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor widely used as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
Handok Presents Promising Anticancer Drug Research at AACR
Table of Contents
- Handok Presents Promising Anticancer Drug Research at AACR
- Handok Pharmaceuticals: Advancing Anticancer Research – Your Questions Answered
CHICAGO (AP) — Handok Pharmaceuticals announced today its participation in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25-30, where it will present research on three novel anticancer drug candidates.
The company will share preclinical data on its next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant degrader for lung cancer, a KRAS G12D protein degrader, and a novel dual fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Handok is collaborating with BNJ Bio Pharma and Fimed Bio on the progress of these anticancer agents, utilizing target protein degradation and a novel platform, respectively. All three programs are currently in the non-clinical development phase.
Addressing Osimertinib Resistance in Lung Cancer
handok’s EGFR mutant degrader is designed to overcome resistance to osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor widely used as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. While effective, osimertinib is often limited by the emergence of resistance mutations. Handok believes its new drug candidate can effectively suppress cancer cell proliferation by degrading various EGFR mutant proteins.Preclinical animal studies have demonstrated its potential as a next-generation treatment capable of overcoming osimertinib resistance.
Targeting KRAS G12D Mutations
KRAS mutations are common drivers of tumor growth, occurring in approximately 30% of solid tumors. The KRAS G12D mutation is frequently observed in cancers such as pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer. Handok has developed a novel protein degradation-based anticancer drug that selectively degrades the KRAS G12D mutant protein. Animal studies have shown that intermittent governance of this drug yields comparable efficacy to existing competitive agents.
Dual inhibition of FGFR and HDAC
The novel dual-targeting anticancer drug simultaneously inhibits both FGFR and HDAC. FGFR gene alterations are known to be major drivers in bladder and biliary cancers. Research suggests that Handok’s new compound can effectively inhibit both FGFR and HDAC, possibly overcoming bypass resistance mechanisms.
Research Expansion
Moon Byung-gon, head of the Handok Central Research Institute, noted the company’s increased presence at this year’s AACR meeting. “Last year, we had only one poster presentation.This year, we are presenting the results of three studies,” Moon said.
Handok Pharmaceuticals: Advancing Anticancer Research – Your Questions Answered
What’s the Buzz? Handok Pharmaceuticals at AACR
What is Handok Pharmaceuticals announcing?
Handok Pharmaceuticals announced their participation in the american Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25-30, 2025, where they will present research on three novel anticancer drug candidates.
What is the AACR?
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is one of the largest and most respected professional organizations for cancer researchers worldwide. Their annual meetings are major events in the cancer research community, providing a platform for sharing groundbreaking discoveries and fostering collaborations.
Where is Handok presenting its research?
Handok is presenting its research at the AACR annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
diving into Handok’s Anticancer Drug Candidates
What types of anticancer drugs is Handok developing?
Handok is developing three novel anticancer drug candidates, all in the non-clinical advancement phase:
* A next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant degrader for lung cancer.
* A KRAS G12D protein degrader.
* A novel dual fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.
What is the technology behind Handok’s drugs?
Handok’s research leverages target protein degradation and a novel platform, especially for the KRAS G12D and FGFR/HDAC inhibitors.
What are the collaborations involved in these drug developments?
Handok is collaborating wiht BNJ Bio Pharma and Fimed Bio on the progress of these anticancer agents.
Understanding the Research: Addressing Specific Cancers
How is Handok addressing Osimertinib resistance in lung cancer?
Handok’s EGFR mutant degrader is designed to overcome resistance to osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor widely used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. This new drug candidate aims to suppress cancer cell proliferation by degrading various EGFR mutant proteins that cause resistance to the drug. Preclinical animal studies show the potential of this new treatment.
Why is overcoming osimertinib resistance significant?
Osimertinib, although effective, is often limited due to the emergence of resistance mutations. Handok’s research focuses on the development of a treatment to combat these mutations and extend the effectiveness of the drug.
What are KRAS G12D mutations, and why are they a target?
KRAS mutations are common drivers of tumor growth, found in approximately 30% of solid tumors. The KRAS G12D mutation is frequently observed in cancers such as pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer. Handok is developing a protein degradation-based anticancer drug that selectively degrades the KRAS G12D mutant protein.
What is the dual FGFR and HDAC inhibitor designed to do?
This novel drug together inhibits both FGFR and HDAC. FGFR gene alterations are major drivers in bladder and biliary cancers. The research suggests that Handok’s new compound can effectively inhibit both FGFR and HDAC and potentially overcome bypass resistance mechanisms.
Key Features of Handok’s Drug Candidates
Can you provide a summary comparison of the three drug candidates?
Absolutely.Here’s a quick comparison:
| Drug candidate | Target | Cancer Types Addressed | Mechanism of Action |
| :————————————————————– | :————————————————————————————- | :——————————————————————- | :—————————————————————————————————— |
| EGFR Mutant Degrader | EGFR mutant proteins | Non-small cell lung cancer (addressing Osimertinib resistance) | Degradation of EGFR mutant proteins to suppress cancer cell proliferation. |
| KRAS G12D Protein Degrader | KRAS G12D mutant protein | Pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer | Selective degradation of the KRAS G12D mutant protein using protein degradation technology |
| Dual FGFR and HDAC Inhibitor | FGFR and HDAC | Bladder and biliary cancers (and potentially other cancers with FGFR/HDAC involvement) | Simultaneous inhibition of FGFR and HDAC, potentially overcoming bypass resistance mechanisms. |
Handok’s Commitment to Cancer Research
What does Handok’s increased presence at AACR signify?
The head of the Handok Central Research Institute, Moon Byung-gon, noted the company’s increased presence at the AACR meeting, highlighting their growing investment in cancer research. This year, they are presenting the results of three studies, a significant increase from the previous year’s single poster presentation. This represents their dedication to advancing research in the field.