GC Wellbeing has signed a technology transfer and joint development agreement for GCWB204, its cancer cachexia treatment candidate, with MThera Pharma.
In a European phase 2a clinical trial last year, GC Wellbeing confirmed the potential of GCWB204 as a treatment for cancer cachexia in multiple evaluation indicators related to the overall physical function of non-small cell lung cancer patients at eight weeks.
Although the company failed to secure statistical significance between groups regarding the stair climb power, the primary endpoint, it confirmed that the GCWB204-administered group had a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life (QoL) at eight weeks compared to the placebo group through a "Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Treatment Trial Outcome Index" (FAACT-TOI) evaluation.
FAACT-TOI is a QoL questionnaire for non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Under the accord, GC Wellbeing will transfer the core technology of the fermentation method that can strengthen the special ginsenoside and research techniques such as the material of GCWB204, manufacturing method, and quality control.
MThera Pharma plans to devise a follow-up clinical trial with a new strategy by supplementing GCWB204's material, manufacturing, and quality data.
However, the two companies did not disclose the investment amount, citing contractual reasons, but added they would jointly distribute royalties generated from the development of GCWB204.
"Through a strategic business agreement with MThera Pharma, which has extensive experience in manufacturing, quality control, and clinical development of natural medicines, the company will lay the groundwork for GCWB204 to enter the global market," a GC Wellbeing official said.
An MThera Pharma official also said, "The company concluded the contract after highly evaluating the marketability of GCWB204 for cancer patients and the possibility of a successful clinical trial."
The company plans to successfully conduct clinical trials in the U.S. and accelerate global expansion in the future, the MThera Pharma official added.