KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 1, 2025 — SK Life Science Labs, the U.S. subsidiary of SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., a global biotech firm focused on creating treatments for cancer and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the publication of its research in Nature Communications. The research details the discovery of PVTX-405, a leading IKZF2 molecular glue degrader.

“This innovative agent marks a major advancement in oncology treatments, establishing PVTX-405 as a powerful IKZF2 molecular glue degrader that significantly enhances the body’s immune response against cancer,” said Ryan Kruger, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at SK Life Science Labs. “By targeting IKZF2, PVTX-405 greatly diminishes immune suppression, enabling the patient’s immune system to combat cancer more effectively.”

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) present a significant challenge in cancer treatment, as they suppress the immune system, allowing tumors to flourish. IKZF2 plays a vital role in maintaining Tregs stability within the tumor’s environment. By selectively degrading IKZF2, PVTX-405 weakens Tregs, thereby increasing the activity of effector T-cells that fight tumors and strengthening the immune response against cancer.

The research findings indicate that PVTX-405 demonstrates superior selectivity, potency, and safety compared to previous IKZF2 molecular glue degraders. It is engineered for more efficient IKZF2 degradation, reducing the potential for unintended immune or blood cell-related toxicities. Notably, once-daily oral administration of PVTX-405 has shown exceptional anti-tumor efficacy, significantly slowing tumor growth and improving the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combined effect leads to greater tumor regression and extended survival in preclinical studies.

“These promising results fuel our eagerness to collaborate with biopharma companies, research institutions, and investors to expedite the clinical development of this innovative immunotherapy, with the aim of improving and prolonging the lives of cancer patients,” stated Dr. Kruger. “This research not only underscores the potential of molecular glue degraders as potent therapeutic agents but also emphasizes SK Life Science Labs’ commitment to advancing life-saving treatments.”

About SK Life Science Labs
SK Life Science Labs, located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is the U.S. subsidiary of SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., a South Korean leader in drug development and commercialization. SK Life Science Labs (formerly Proteovant Therapeutics) utilizes the ubiquitin-protease system (UPS) to discover and create transformative medicines for patients with debilitating diseases. Protein degradation uses the body’s natural cellular machinery via the UPS to identify and mark disease-causing proteins for destruction. This approach offers the opportunity to target previously “undruggable” proteins. SK Life Science Labs combines its AI-driven target ID platform, expertise in degrader drug-hunting, and MOPED molecular glue screening platform to develop novel protein degraders. For more information, visit .

About SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. 
SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is a part of SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate. SK Group comprises global industry leaders driving innovation in energy, advanced materials, biopharmaceuticals, and digital business. For details about SK Biopharmaceuticals, visit . 

SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. is a part of SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate. SK Group is a collection of global industry-leading companies driving innovations in energy, advanced materials, biopharmaceuticals and digital business. Based in Seoul, SK Group invests in building sustainable businesses around the world with a shared commitment to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. SK Group companies combined have $151 billion in global annual revenue and employ more than 100,000 people worldwide. SK Group is one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. SK Inc., the parent company of SK Biopharmaceuticals, continues to enhance its portfolio value by executing long-term investments with a number of competitive subsidiaries in various business areas, including pharmaceuticals and life science, energy and chemicals, information and telecommunication, and semiconductors. In addition, SK Inc. is focused on reinforcing its growth foundations through profitable and practical management based on financial stability, while raising its enterprise value by investing in new future growth businesses. For more information about SK Inc., visit . For more information about SK Biopharmaceuticals, visit . 

SOURCE SK Life Science Labs

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