Hanmi Pharmaceutical has outlined its evolving R&D strategy by unveiling a broad range of oncology drug candidates at a global scientific conference, signaling a shift toward combining multiple next-generation modalities rather than relying on a single technology.
The company announced that it presented nine research studies covering eight pipeline candidates at AACR 2026, held in San Diego from April 17 to 22. The number of presentations places Hanmi among the most active Korean pharmaceutical companies at the event.
Hanmi’s oncology pipeline can be broadly categorized into three areas: targeted therapies, targeted protein degradation (TPD)-based treatments, and next-generation immuno-oncology approaches. The company’s strategy focuses on combining diverse mechanisms to expand treatment options and address limitations of existing therapies.
In the targeted therapy segment, Hanmi introduced candidates including an EZH1/2 dual inhibitor (HM97662), a selective HER2 inhibitor (HM100714), and an SOS1-KRAS interaction inhibitor (HM101207). These candidates are designed to overcome resistance and improve efficacy in cancers driven by specific genetic mutations.
HM97662, in particular, targets two proteins simultaneously, offering potential advantages over single-target therapies in overcoming drug resistance. Preclinical studies showed enhanced anti-tumor effects when combined with DNA-damaging agents.
HM100714 demonstrated notable anti-tumor activity in HER2-mutant cancer models, including resistant tumors and brain metastases, while maintaining a relatively favorable safety profile. HM101207 takes a different approach by blocking the activation of KRAS signaling, with studies indicating improved outcomes when used in combination with other pathway inhibitors.
Among next-generation modalities, Hanmi also highlighted a TPD-based candidate targeting EP300. Unlike conventional inhibitors, this approach degrades the target protein entirely. In animal models, the candidate showed reduced toxicity while maintaining or improving anti-cancer efficacy compared to existing inhibitors.
In the immuno-oncology space, the company presented mRNA-based therapies and multispecific antibody platforms. A STING mRNA therapy was shown to directly activate immune responses, including in “immune-cold” tumors that typically respond poorly to immunotherapy. A p53 mRNA candidate aims to restore tumor suppressor function and induce cancer cell death, with additional analysis suggesting potential for patient selection based on predictive biomarkers.
Hanmi also introduced bispecific antibody-based candidates BH3120 and BH4601, designed to target two molecules simultaneously. These approaches aim to reduce resistance while enhancing immune activation. Some studies indicated that combining these therapies with other immuno-oncology mechanisms could further amplify anti-tumor effects.
Industry observers view the presentations as more than a routine pipeline update, noting that they reflect Hanmi’s broader effort to integrate multiple technologies into a cohesive oncology strategy.
The company said it plans to continue advancing next-generation modality-based R&D to strengthen its competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
