Samsung Bioepis and Phrontline Biopharma Enter Global Collaboration to Advance Next-Generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Solid Tumors
Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., a leading global biopharmaceutical company, and Phrontline Biopharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm pioneering a new generation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), today announced the signing of a strategic global collaboration agreement. The partnership is focused on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of two ADC assets, including TJ108, a bispecific and dual-payload ADC, and another asset that will be named at a later date. In addition to these two ADC programs, Samsung Bioepis will obtain an exclusive license from Phrontline for one topoisomerase-1 inhibitor (TOP1i) payload to support its broader ADC pipeline.
Phrontline’s lead asset, TJ108, is an innovative ADC designed to simultaneously target two key receptors often overexpressed in a range of solid tumors: the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3). TJ108 employs a dual mechanism of action, combining TOP1i and tubulin inhibitors within a single construct. Both EGFR and HER3 are well-established drivers of tumor growth and metastasis, and their simultaneous targeting has the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of conventional single-target therapies.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward for both companies in their shared mission to deliver advanced, next-generation ADCs to patients with high unmet medical needs. Under the terms of the agreement, Phrontline will receive an upfront payment from Samsung Bioepis and will be eligible to receive additional milestone payments tied to both development and regulatory achievements. These milestone-based payments reflect the companies’ commitment to achieving clinical and commercial milestones efficiently while accelerating the timeline for bringing these therapies to patients.
Kyung-Ah Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Bioepis, commented on the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with Phrontline to develop and advance differentiated ADCs that address a broad range of indications. This collaboration aligns with our strategic vision of leveraging innovative technologies to expand patient access to novel therapies, particularly in areas with significant unmet medical needs. Samsung Bioepis has a proven track record in drug development, and we look forward to applying our capabilities to accelerate the growth of ADC programs that could benefit patients worldwide.”
Phrontline Biopharma brings to the collaboration its proprietary bispecific targeting and dual-linker payload (DLP) technologies. The DLP platform allows the simultaneous delivery of two distinct cytotoxic payloads via a branched-linker architecture, ensuring balanced potency and complementary mechanisms of action. This approach is designed to address several limitations associated with traditional single-payload ADCs, including tumor heterogeneity, treatment resistance, and insufficient durability of response. The platform also supports scalable, efficient, and one-step conjugation, which facilitates more streamlined manufacturing processes and may help reduce production complexity.
Zhaoyuan ‘Tony’ Chen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Phrontline Biopharma, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Phrontline has refined its bispecific targeting technology to improve payload delivery efficiency, and our dual-linker payload platform represents a leap forward in ADC design. By enabling the concurrent delivery of two payloads with distinct mechanisms of action, we aim to overcome the limitations of single-target, single-payload ADCs. Partnering with Samsung Bioepis allows us to scale our DLP platform — starting with TJ108 — and accelerate the development of a new class of precision oncology medicines. Together, we are well-positioned to address complex challenges such as tumor resistance, heterogeneity, and durability of response, ultimately benefiting patients who currently have limited treatment options.”
The collaboration also provides Samsung Bioepis with exclusive access to a TOP1i payload for integration into its broader ADC development programs. This licensing agreement will strengthen Samsung Bioepis’ ability to advance its pipeline and expand its presence in the field of precision oncology. The TOP1i payload, known for its potent cytotoxic activity, complements Samsung Bioepis’ ongoing efforts to develop innovative ADCs that can be applied across multiple cancer indications.
Samsung Bioepis, originally focused on biosimilars, has been actively expanding its therapeutic portfolio to include novel modalities that address high unmet medical needs. The company’s oncology-focused initiatives, such as the ADC programs developed in partnership with Phrontline, are part of a broader strategy to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its position as a global biopharmaceutical innovator. In addition to oncology, Samsung Bioepis’ pipeline spans multiple therapeutic areas, including immunology, ophthalmology, hematology, nephrology, neurology, and endocrinology. By integrating advanced ADC technologies into its portfolio, the company aims to deliver cutting-edge therapies to patients worldwide while continuing to provide access to its established biosimilar medicines.
This collaboration is expected to accelerate the clinical development of TJ108 and the second, as-yet-unnamed ADC asset. By combining Phrontline’s expertise in bispecific targeting and dual-payload ADC technology with Samsung Bioepis’ extensive experience in drug development, manufacturing, and commercialization, the companies aim to bring highly differentiated, next-generation ADC therapies to market more efficiently. The partnership is also expected to advance the companies’ shared vision of improving treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumors that currently have limited therapeutic options.
Both companies expressed optimism that this collaboration could redefine the potential of ADC therapeutics. Traditional ADCs typically carry a single cytotoxic payload and target a single receptor, which can limit their efficacy due to tumor heterogeneity and adaptive resistance. By contrast, the dual-target, dual-payload approach of TJ108 and future ADCs developed under this partnership aims to provide more robust, durable, and effective treatment options. This innovation could represent a significant advance in precision oncology, offering the potential to improve response rates, reduce resistance, and ultimately enhance patient survival.
With this global collaboration, Samsung Bioepis and Phrontline Biopharma are demonstrating a shared commitment to innovation in oncology, leveraging complementary strengths to address unmet medical needs. The strategic partnership not only accelerates the development of novel ADC therapies but also strengthens the companies’ positions in the rapidly evolving field of targeted cancer therapeutics. By combining cutting-edge science, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and global commercialization expertise, the collaboration seeks to deliver transformative treatments to patients worldwide.
In conclusion, the Samsung Bioepis-Phrontline partnership marks an important milestone in the evolution of antibody-drug conjugate therapeutics. Through the development of bispecific, dual-payload ADCs like TJ108, and the integration of exclusive TOP1i payload technology into Samsung Bioepis’ pipeline, the collaboration sets the stage for a new era of precision oncology medicines. Both companies are poised to address significant challenges in the treatment of solid tumors and to bring innovative solutions to patients in need.
