Samsung Biologics and Kanaph Therapeutics have entered into a strategic partnership to develop KNP-301, a bi-specific Fc fusion protein intended to treat retinal diseases.

According to Kanaph Therapeutics, KNP-301 is designed to target autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the alternative pathway of the complement system. With the benefits of its bi-specific approach, it aims to successfully treat complement-mediated and angiogenesis driven retinal diseases by suppressing both C3b and VEGF simultaneously.

Under the agreement, South Korea based Samsung Biologics will provide a full scope of its CDO services from cell line development, process development, non-clinical and clinical material manufacturing to IND submission. 

Dr. Tae Han Kim, CEO of Samsung Biologics says, "This partnership marks our standing as the most reliable CDMO partner with leading capabilities of providing high-quality development services. We will leverage our extensive expertise to expedite  ThKanapherapeutics' success in bringing advanced treatments for retinal disease to address the unmet medical needs of patients."

"We have decided to work with Samsung Biologics for the development of our first biologic program, in preparation for our global clinical trials," said Byoung Chul Lee, CEO of Kanaph Therapeutics. "This will mark the beginning of many biologic molecules in our pipeline to be developed for the clinic. In addition to partnering with a global CDMO such as Samsung Biologics, we will drive for the successful outcome of our regulatory and clinical strategies in partnership with our specialized KOLs and experienced CROs."