MEDiC Life Sciences, a Silicon Valley biotech startup, has announced a research collaboration with Hanmi Pharmaceutical, a prominent biopharma company based in Korea. Through this partnership, MEDiC will utilize its MCAT™ platform to identify cancer biomarkers related to one of Hanmi’s clinical assets.
MEDiC Life Sciences has announced a collaboration with Hanmi Pharmaceutical to advance cancer research using its MCAT™ platform. This next-generation functional genomics platform allows MEDiC to measure millions of gene-to-drug interactions, identifying SLS™ biomarkers—genetic mutations that exhibit synthetic lethality with specific cancer drugs. This approach aims to enhance patient response rates and expand the market potential of cancer therapies by identifying multiple significant biomarkers.
“We are thrilled that Hanmi Pharmaceutical has chosen MEDiC as a partner to advance its oncology programs,” said Kyuho Han, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of MEDiC. “We look forward to working together to identify synthetic lethal biomarkers for their clinical assets, ultimately helping cancer patients access effective new treatments.”
The agreement includes upfront payments for the collaboration and a strategic investment from Hanmi.
In Young Choi, Head of Hanmi’s R&D Center, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Hanmi is engaged in researching various cancer therapeutics, including immuno-oncology and targeted therapies, and we are achieving significant results in developing innovative cancer drugs. Through this collaboration with MEDiC and its advanced biomarker technology, we aim to enhance the value of our new cancer drugs and improve the likelihood of success in clinical trials.” He added that the strategic investment will strengthen the collaboration and create synergy between the two companies.
MEDiC’s proprietary platform utilizes patient tumor-like models to identify optimal gene targets and biomarkers for cancer treatment. Unlike traditional 2D cultures, MEDiC’s innovative 3D tumor models significantly enhance the accuracy and translatability of functional genomics. This unique approach has already attracted partnerships with major companies, including Bristol Myers Squibb and Hanmi Pharmaceutical, seeking novel targets for drug development.
About MEDiC Life Sciences
Founded in 2020 and emerging from Stanford University’s SPARK program, MEDiC Life Sciences uses its MCAT™ platform to discover new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for solid tumors. In addition to developing its own drug programs, the company supports its partners by providing novel targets and biomarkers for their oncology initiatives. MEDiC is backed by various strategic and financial investors, including LG, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Illumina Accelerator.
