Novel Approaches to Cancer Treatment: Handok’s Research Highlights

Handok, a leading pharmaceutical company, is set to present groundbreaking research on three novel anticancer drug candidates at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25th to 30th. This declaration underscores Handok’s commitment to innovation in oncology and its dedication to addressing unmet medical needs in cancer treatment.

Targeting Resistance: next-Generation EGFR Inhibitors

One of the key highlights of Handok’s presentation will be its next-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant degrading lung cancer treatment. This innovative approach aims to overcome resistance to osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor that has become a standard first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, resistance mutations often limit its long-term efficacy.Handok’s new drug candidate is designed to degrade various EGFR mutant proteins, effectively suppressing cancer cell proliferation. Preclinical animal studies have demonstrated its potential as a next-generation treatment capable of circumventing osimertinib resistance. According to the American Lung Association,lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States,emphasizing the urgent need for novel therapies to combat resistance.

KRAS G12D: Selective Protein Degradation for Solid Tumors

KRAS mutations are prevalent in approximately 30% of solid tumors, making them a critically important therapeutic target. Among these, the KRAS G12D mutation is frequently observed in pancreatic, colon, and lung cancers. Handok is developing a novel protein degradation anticancer drug that selectively targets and degrades the KRAS G12D mutant protein. Early animal studies have shown that intermittent administration of this drug candidate yields comparable efficacy to existing competitive drugs, suggesting a promising therapeutic profile. The selective decomposition of the KRAS G12D mutation coudl represent a significant advancement in treating these challenging cancers.

dual-Action Approach: FGFR and HDAC Inhibition

Handok’s research also includes a new dual-targeting anticancer drug with a unique mechanism of action that simultaneously inhibits fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). FGFR gene alterations are known drivers of bladder and biliary cancers. Studies have indicated that Handok’s new compound can effectively inhibit both FGFR and HDAC, potentially overcoming bypass resistance mechanisms. This dual-action approach could offer a more comprehensive and effective treatment strategy for these cancers.

Strategic Collaborations Fuel Innovation

Handok is actively collaborating with BNJ Bio Pharma and Fimed Bio to develop these innovative anticancer drugs, leveraging their respective expertise in target protein degradation and platform technologies. These collaborations underscore the importance of partnerships in driving pharmaceutical innovation and accelerating the growth of new therapies.

Looking ahead: Handok’s Commitment to Oncology

Last year, AACR has made onyl one poster presentation, and this year, the results of the study to be released in three cases have increased.
Moon Byung-gon, head of the Handok Central Research Institute

Handok’s increased presence at AACR 2025, with three research presentations compared to one last year, reflects the company’s growing investment and progress in oncology research. These novel drug candidates represent a significant step forward in the fight against cancer, offering the potential to improve outcomes for patients with challenging-to-treat malignancies. Handok’s commitment to innovation and strategic collaborations positions it as a key player in the future of cancer therapy.