LG Chem Begins Preclinical Development of Genuv’s Next-Generation Immuno-Oncology Candidate

LG Chem, the South Korean chemical company, has commenced preclinical studies for GNV205, a next-generation immuno-oncology candidate licensed from Genuv, a Korean biotech firm. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering LG Chem's arsenal of innovative cancer therapies. Preclinical studies are being conducted on GNV205 in solid tumors to gauge its therapeutic potential and development feasibility.

GNV205 is an antibody-cytokine fusion protein, a novel combination of a PD-1 antibody, which inhibits immune-suppressing signals, and interleukin-2 (IL-2), a cytokine that boosts immune cells. The unique design of GNV205 enables it to become more active in the acidic tumor microenvironment, thus concentrating IL-2 activity around cancer tissue while minimizing systemic toxicity.

This strategy aims to boost the immune response against tumors while mitigating a major drawback of traditional IL-2 therapies, which often cause substantial toxicity when administered throughout the body.

LG Chem's interest in GNV205 is driven by its potential as a treatment for patients who have had limited success with existing immunotherapies or have developed resistance to treatment. This development underscores LG Chem's approach of merging internal research and development (R&D) with external technology acquisition.

The rights to GNV205 were acquired exclusively from Genuv by LG Chem in September 2025. Under the agreement, LG Chem paid an upfront fee and will make additional milestone and royalty payments contingent on the drug's development and commercial success. Genuv, established in 2016, is a biotech company focusing on drug development for cancer and central nervous system disorders using its proprietary drug discovery platforms.

For LG Chem, this partnership offers the chance to integrate a locally developed biotech asset into its global R&D pipeline, thereby expanding its presence in the competitive immuno-oncology market. The company further diversifies its oncology portfolio through external collaborations, including a recent partnership with China-based OTR Therapeutics.

LG Chem's CEO, Son Ji-woong, emphasized the company's commitment to expanding its oncology pipeline by blending internal R&D with the introduction of innovative technologies from external partners. This highlights LG Chem's dedication to both proprietary research and external innovation to identify and develop new oncology candidates.