Bridge Biotherapeutics, a South Korean clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel drugs for fibrosis, inflammation, and cancer, has signed an exclusive in-license agreement with Shaperon, a South Korean clinical-stage biotech company, for its GPCR19 (G protein-coupled receptor 19) agonist, coded BBT-209, in order to develop a novel therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Shaperon, the originator, has identified that BBT-209, a first-in-class GPCR19 agonist, controls GPCR19-P2X7 expressions and downregulates component proteins of NLRP3 so that inflammation signaling networks can be significantly suppressed by the compound's mode of action.

Through IPF animal models, Bridge Biotherapeutics has confirmed that the drug candidate shows treatment efficacy through its robust anti-inflammatory activities. The company will utilize this data when developing monotherapy and/or combination therapy strategies.

By entering into the license agreement, Bridge will make an upfront payment of approximately $1.63 million (KRW 2 billion). The potential deal value equates to approximately $24.4 million (KRW 30 billion) including upfront, milestone, and royalty payments.