Bridge Biotherapeutics, a startup based in the Republic of Korea and the US, has entered into a joint research agreement with HitGen Inc, a Chinese drug discovery platform company. This collaboration builds on successful initial hit finding and identification work from HitGen's DNA-encoded library (DEL), aiming to further develop the novel hits as promising drug candidates for cancer.

Bridge plans to strengthen its existing oncology portfolio, which is centered on EGFR inhibitors for lung cancer treatment, through new anticancer drug candidates targeting undisclosed targets. Over the past year, the company has established its own analytical methods through preliminary research to discover new targeted anticancer drugs that are expected to show high anticancer effects across various cancer types.

With the launch of this joint research with HitGen, it is anticipated that the derivation of effective substances, optimisation, and securing of lead compounds will progress rapidly within the next year.

James Lee, CEO of Bridge Biotherapeutics stated, "By collaborating with HitGen, we will accelerate the discovery of new targeted anticancer drugs." 

Bridge Biotherapeutics has initiated the fourth cohort in the Phase 1 clinical trial for its leading candidate drug BBT-207 for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Through this collaboration with HitGen, the company is embarking on the discovery of new anticancer drugs as part of its efforts to strengthen its cancer portfolio.