Life sciences company Invion Group (ASX: IVX) and Korean partner Hanlim Pharm Co Ltd will invest in the non-clinical research required to support an Australian trial of intravenously administered HL270 (INV043) for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
The $2 million two-stage work program will commence with efficacy studies to demonstrate the drug’s impact on oesophageal cancer in animal models ahead of preparations for the first-in-human trial including non-clinical studies to assess stability and toxicity and the submission of a clinical trial notification to the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The partnership follows Hanlim's successful securing of a grant from the Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF) which will contribute to the cost of the studies and preparatory work.
Next-generation therapy
The KDDF is believed to have recognised the benefits of Invion’s next-generation photodynamic therapy INV043 for the treatment of numerous cancers and infectious diseases.
The novel photosensitiser is based on Photosoft technology, which aims to be more effective at targeting and killing cancers without harmful side effects and causing minimal discomfort.
In contrast to the immuno-suppressive effects of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Photosoft causes acute inflammation, expression of heat-shock proteins and invasion and infiltration of a tumour by leukocytes.
Advancing cancer drugs
Hanlim research and development centre head Jin Ha Park said the company was keen to help advance Invion’s cancer drugs.
“We are very pleased that the KDDF has recognised the promise of Photosoft and chosen to support its development with funding that will enable us to progress key preclinical studies and prepare for the first-in-human oesophageal cancer trial in Australia,” he said.
“Our collaboration with Invion continues to be highly productive and we look forward to building on this success as we advance the Photosoft platform into the clinic for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.”
Early clinical data from Invion has already shown the safety and efficacy of HL270 (INV043) on prostate and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Oesophageal cancer market
Oesophageal cancer often develops without obvious symptoms and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, contributing to a five-year survival rate of around 21%.
Existing treatment options (including surgery and chemotherapy) can be highly invasive and are often accompanied by severe side effects.
Newer approaches such as immunotherapy have shown potential but often benefit only a limited number of patients.
The global market for oesophageal cancer therapies was valued at approximately US$15.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%, reaching US$36.6 billion by 2035.
