Voronoi's Global Licensing Deal Sparks Optimism for "Continued Success"

Voronoi, a drug development specialist that recently licensed out its autoimmune disease treatment pipeline to a U.S. pharmaceutical company, is expected to maintain its competitive edge in the global market, according to industry analysts.

On the 26th, Voronoi announced that it had signed an exclusive agreement with U.S. company Anvia Therapeutics to transfer its pipeline asset, "VRN04." Under the agreement, Voronoi will receive 2.5 million shares of Anvia’s common stock and additional funding to support the identification of the final candidate substance for VRN04. Anvia gains the exclusive option to acquire this pipeline.

On the 27th, Min-yong Eom, a researcher at Shinhan Investment & Securities, projected that Voronoi could leverage this agreement to grow into a global drug design company. Anvia was established by Deerfield, the largest healthcare-focused venture capital firm in the U.S., with total assets under management of approximately USD 14.5 billion.

Eom stated, "This agreement is the first instance of Voronoi's drug design capabilities being recognized by a global VC. It is highly likely that additional option contracts for other pipelines will follow."

VRN04 is an inhibitor that targets "RIPK1," a key factor in regulating cell death and inflammation. Numerous pharmaceutical companies are developing drugs in the same category, recognizing the potential of VRN04 as a treatment for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Eom noted that Deerfield's adoption of Voronoi's technology in this competitive landscape suggests a likelihood of successive licensing deals.

Eom added, "Even though companies like AbbVie, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly are already advancing similar drugs into clinical stages, Deerfield's selection of VRN04 is a positive sign."

Previously, in 2020, Voronoi also licensed out its non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) drug candidate, "VRN07," to the U.S. biotech firm Oric Pharmaceuticals. VRN07 recently demonstrated clinically meaningful results in a Phase 1b trial, showing complete remission in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Voronoi retains the rights to VRN07 in Greater China, which increases the possibility of a large-scale licensing deal in the region, given the positive clinical results.

Eom further mentioned, "It is understood that negotiations for technology transfer with companies in Greater China are currently underway. Voronoi has a strong goal of securing a licensing deal within this year, raising expectations for a contract."