Seoul: Samsung Bioepis Co., a biopharmaceutical unit under Samsung Group, announced a collaboration with Chinese biotech firm Phrontline Biopharma to co-develop, manufacture, and commercialize antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the partnership was formalized with an agreement signed on Monday. Samsung Bioepis will co-develop Phrontline's two ADC assets, including the TJ108, and has secured an exclusive license to Phrontline's TOP1i payload for potential integration into its ADC pipeline.

ADCs represent a novel category of targeted cancer therapies, merging the precision of antibodies with the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. These therapies aim to deliver targeted cancer treatment, combining the best of both worlds for enhanced efficacy.

Samsung Bioepis stated that Phrontline will receive an upfront payment as part of the agreement, with prospects for additional milestone payments contingent on development and regulatory successes. Specific financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed by either company.

Kim Kyung-ah, CEO of Samsung Bioepis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are excited to partner with Phrontline in developing and advancing differentiated ADCs that target a broad range of indications." She further emphasized the company's commitment to exploring new business opportunities to address unmet patient needs by leveraging their proven development platforms.