SK Chemicals and J2H Biotech Sign MOU for Joint New Drug Development Collaboration

SK Chemicals is expanding its new drug development partnerships through open innovation.

On March 26, SK Chemicals announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with J2H Biotech (J2H) to strengthen cooperation in the joint development of new drugs.

A researcher at SK Chemicals is conducting analysis of new drug candidate substances based on open innovation. SK Chemicals

This agreement was signed to explore the potential for joint development of new drug pipelines that J2H possesses for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Under the agreement, J2H will share ongoing research results on its new drug pipeline with SK Chemicals. Both companies will conduct an in-depth review of technology and clinical data, and discuss ways to establish new drug development strategies and collaborate on joint development.

Founded in 2014, J2H is a biotech company developing new drug candidates focused on metabolic diseases and oncology. Its candidate for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, "J2H-1702," has completed phase 2a clinical trials and has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy. The company is preparing to enter a global phase 2b clinical trial (follow-up clinical trial) to verify additional efficacy in an expanded patient group. The candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment is currently in the preclinical research stage.

SK Chemicals plans to thoroughly review the development potential and business feasibility of the candidate substances from multiple angles based on the secured data, and will further specify the scope of joint development and collaboration.

Kim Jaeseon, CEO of J2H Biotech, said, "The treatment we are developing for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis has proven its efficacy in phase 2 clinical trials, strengthening the competitiveness of our pipeline. Through cooperation with SK Chemicals, which has extensive experience and capabilities in clinical trials and drug development, we will accelerate new drug development and achieve meaningful results."

Park Hyunsun, Head of the Pharma Business Division at SK Chemicals, stated, "Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are representative diseases with insufficient treatment options. This collaboration with J2H will serve as an opportunity to enhance the diversity and competitiveness of our R&D pipeline. Through open innovation with companies possessing expertise and technological capabilities in developing treatments for such diseases, we aim to quickly acquire capabilities in areas we have not yet secured and diversify our new drug portfolio."

Meanwhile, since 2021, SK Chemicals has been strengthening its partnership with J2H by jointly conducting research to discover new drug candidates using J2H's drug development platform and participating in strategic equity investments.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.