GI Innovation said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LaNova Medicines, a Chinese-based botech, to jointly develop a combination therapy for pancreatic cancer using GI-102 and an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The agreement was finalized on Jan. 15 (local time) during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, U.S.

LaNova Medicines gained global recognition after successfully licensing out its multiple myeloma candidate LM-305 to AstraZeneca in 2023, in a deal valued at 800 billion won, including a non-refundable upfront payment of 73.5 billion won.

In 2024, the company further attracted attention by licensing out LM-299, a PD-1 and VEGF bispecific antibody, to MSD during its phase 1 clinical trials. This agreement, which includes a non-refundable upfront payment of 830 billion won, is valued at a total of 4.6 trillion won.

GI Innovation and LaNova have been conducting research on the combination of GI-102, an immunothearpy agent, with LM-302, an ADC targeting Claudin18.2. Recent preclinical models for pancreatic cancer have demonstrated promising anti-cancer activity for the combination therapy.

Through this agreement, GI Innovation and LaNova plan to advance clinical development targeting patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

“GI-102 exemplifies GI Innovation's exceptional capabilities in immunotherapy research and development,” LaNova Medicines CEO Crystal Quin said. “We are excited to explore the potential combination with LaNova's Claudin18.2 ADC, LM-302.”

This combination holds great promise in offering new treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients, Quin added.

GI Innovation Chief Scientific Officer Jang Myoung-ho also said, “We are pleased to collaborate with LaNova, a company recognized by global big pharma for its ADC technology.”

LaNova's ADC directly destroys tumor cells to enhance response rates, while GI-102 strengthens immune cell memory, potentially improving overall survival, Jang added.