
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 24, 2025 — From January 13 to 16, Dr. Huiming Li, Kexing Biopharm New Drug Research Center’s Deputy General Manager, attended the 17th Biotech Showcase in San Francisco and the Jones Day & MSQ Ventures Global Biopharma Symposium.
The Jones Day & MSQ Ventures Pre-JPM Symposium facilitates collaborations between leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical figures and investors, offering insights into current industry trends. The Biotech Showcase unites over 400 global companies across diverse fields, including innovative biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology platforms, digital health, and diagnostics, attracting investors with over USD 400 billion in capital and active life science partners.
On January 13th, Dr. Huiming Li showcased Kexing Biopharm’s KX-BODY innovative antibody technology platform and KX-FUSION fusion protein technology platform, along with several anti-tumor and autoimmune pipelines built on these platforms. A notable example is a new antibody nearing clinical trials for cancer cachexia by targeting GDF-15, an emerging target. Kexing Biopharm’s GB18 (targeting GDF-15) program aims to treat cancer cachexia and cachexia from other chronic illnesses like heart failure. The GB18 molecule features a unique nanobody-Fc fusion structure (VHH-Fc), and the company has filed an international patent portfolio. Preclinical research shows GB18’s potent efficacy in various mouse cancer cachexia models (including HT1080, Renca, MC38-hGDF15 overexpression, and cisplatin-induced chemotherapy cachexia), as well as a rat MCT-induced heart failure model. Besides significant increases in body weight, muscle, and fat mass, GB18-treated mice demonstrated improved motor function. Preclinical PK data suggests a 3-4-week clinical dosing frequency. In terms of CMC, GB18 exhibits excellent stability, an expression yield exceeding 10.0 g/L, and ultra-high solubility (over 200 mg/mL), suitable for subcutaneous injections. Six-month stability data from two 200 L GMP batches is positive. 13-week repeated dose toxicity studies in rats and cynomolgus monkeys are complete, revealing no significant toxic reactions at high doses. We anticipate this anti-GDF15 antibody will significantly improve the quality of life for patients with cancer or other chronic diseases.
Following the conference, Dr. Huiming Li engaged with pharmaceutical companies and investment firms, presenting the company’s pipeline, including GB05 (Human Interferon α1b Inhalation Solution), GB18 (for tumor cachexia), GB12 (for atopic dermatitis), GB19 (for lupus erythematosus), and GB24 (TL1A bispecific-antibody) for inflammatory bowel disease. GB12, GB18, and GB24 garnered significant interest. GB24 targets TL1A, a prominent target in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has been involved in recent major transactions. Beyond TL1A, GB24 targets another emerging IBD pathway with strong synergistic effects, potentially revolutionizing IBD treatment. GB24 is a potentially high-value innovative asset within Kexing Biopharm’s pipeline.
The conference highlighted the growing impact of Chinese biopharmaceutical innovation. Drugs developed in China have attracted investment from multinational corporations and venture capital, resulting in numerous cross-border licensing deals. High-quality and innovative science, cost-effectiveness, and development speed are key factors. The global recognition of Chinese biotech innovation is fostering increased international collaboration within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Following its “innovation + internationalization” platform-based development strategy, Kexing Biopharm has accelerated R&D and innovation since its Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market listing, shifting its pipeline from modified drugs to innovative new drugs. Progress in antiviral, antitumor, and autoimmune research aims to address unmet clinical needs.
SOURCE Kexing Biopharm