SEOUL, South Korea — Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ubix Therapeutics to accelerate highly targeted cancer therapy research and development in South Korea over the next five years.

Under this agreement, the two companies will conduct joint research to develop targeted protein degradation (TPD) and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). This collaboration will combine Ubix’s proprietary Degraducer® anti-cancer drugs platform which features novel E3 ligase binders with Agilent’s cancer research and technology capabilities.

Small molecule-induced TPD and ADC are rapidly emerging as a promising approach in precision oncology across the pharma and biopharma industries, with the global TPD market size estimated to reach US$4.37 billion by 2034¹. This novel method invites therapeutic potential in previously undruggable molecular spaces, paving the way to deliver safer and more effective answers for even the most difficult targets in ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP) and ligase complex.

The collaboration leverages Agilent’s innovative technologies, such as InfinityLab Bio LC portfolio, LC/MS systems, and BioTek product families, developing efficient analytical methods and workflows to advance targeted cancer therapy and immuno-oncology research. This work supports Ubix in addressing the unmet needs of patients and increasing access to innovative novel treatments that may improve patient outcomes.

“We are excited to collaborate with Agilent Technologies, whose leadership in biopharma and pharmaceutical innovation will strengthen Ubix Therapeutics’ efforts to deliver next-generation therapies. By leveraging Agilent’s advanced analytical and diagnostic platforms, we aim to accelerate development and bring transformation solutions to patients worldwide.” Commented Seo Bo-Kwang, CEO of Ubix Therapeutics, Inc.

“We are proud to continue strengthening Agilent’s ongoing commitment to research, contributing to South Korea’s biomedical advancement and supporting our customer’s ambitious plan to bolster transformative cancer therapy globally. This partnership further demonstrates the confidence local companies place in our industry-leading scientific capabilities to bring great science to life.” said You Jae Soo, South Korea country general manager at Agilent.

For more than 25 years, Agilent has been investing in South Korea and has since grown to approximately 400 skilled scientists, engineers, and employees. Housing a Centre of Excellence Analytical Lab in Seoul, the company has forged successful partnerships with local flagship universities, biomedical companies and start-ups. Most recently, Agilent partnered with GI Innovation for biomarker testing of immune-anticancer drug GI-101 and Theragen Bio to advance bioinformatic solutions for cancer genomic profiling.

1.      https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6032716/targeted-protein-degradation-market