[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] On the 20th, Aprilbio disclosed that it has transferred its candidate substance for autoimmune inflammatory disease treatment, 'APB-R3', to the U.S. pharmaceutical company EvoMune.
The total contract value, including an upfront payment of $15 million (approximately 20.7 billion Korean Won) and milestone payments, amounts to $475 million (about 655 billion Korean Won). In addition to these payments, Aprilbio will receive royalties based on commercialization revenues.
APB-R3, developed by Aprilbio for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, targets Interleukin-18 (IL-18). IL-18 plays a role in regulating immune responses of immune cells and natural killer cells. Overactivation of IL-18 can lead to inflammation and various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Earlier on the 7th, Aprilbio announced the completion of Phase 1 clinical trials in adult patients in Australia, confirming safety and pharmacokinetics of APB-R3. Based on this, EvoMune plans to commence Phase 2 trials as early as the first half of next year. Given that there are currently no drugs targeting IL-18 on the market, if APB-R3 succeeds in commercialization, it could potentially become a first-in-class medication within its category.
AlphaBIZ Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
