Invion and Hanlim Secure $2M Boost for Oesophageal Cancer Therapy Trials
Invion Limited’s partner Hanlim Pharm, backed by South Korea’s government grant, has secured up to A$2 million in non-dilutive funding to advance preclinical studies of HL270 for oesophageal cancer, paving the way for human trials in Australia.
- Up to A$2 million non-dilutive funding secured from Hanlim and South Korean government
- Two-stage preclinical program targeting oesophageal cancer with HL270 (INV043)
- Stage 1 focuses on efficacy in animal models including combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Stage 2 aims for regulatory approval and preparation for first-in-human clinical trial in Australia
- Oesophageal cancer market projected to reach US$36.6 billion by 2035 amid high unmet medical need
Funding Milestone Accelerates Cancer Therapy Development
Invion Limited (ASX, IVX) has announced a significant advancement in its development of HL270 (INV043), a novel therapy targeting oesophageal cancer. Partnering with Hanlim Pharm Co., Ltd., Invion has secured up to A$2 million in non-dilutive funding, supported by a grant from the South Korean government’s Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF). This funding will underpin critical preclinical research necessary to initiate clinical trials in Australia.
Two-Stage Program to Validate and Prepare for Clinical Trials
The funding supports a two-stage development program. Stage 1, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026, will focus on demonstrating the efficacy of HL270 in animal models of oesophageal cancer, including studies combining the drug with immune checkpoint inhibitors; an emerging class of cancer immunotherapies. Success in this phase is crucial, as it will determine progression to Stage 2.
Stage 2, targeting completion by the second half of 2027, involves non-clinical studies assessing the drug’s stability, toxicity, and manufacturing processes. It also includes preparing and submitting regulatory documentation to commence a first-in-human clinical trial in Australia. This phased approach reflects a cautious but promising pathway toward bringing a new treatment option to patients.
Addressing a Large Unmet Medical Need
Oesophageal cancer remains a challenging disease with a five-year survival rate hovering around 21%, largely due to late diagnosis and limited effective treatments. Current options such as surgery and chemotherapy are invasive and often accompanied by severe side effects, while newer immunotherapies benefit only a subset of patients. The global market for oesophageal cancer therapies is projected to grow from US$15.3 billion in 2025 to approximately US$36.6 billion by 2035, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatments.
Invion’s Photosoft technology, which HL270 is based on, represents a next-generation photodynamic therapy that selectively targets cancer cells with minimal side effects. Early clinical data on HL270 have shown promise in other cancers, including prostate and non-melanoma skin cancers, suggesting potential broad applicability.
Strategic Collaboration and Future Prospects
Hanlim Pharm’s Head of R&D, Jin Ha Park, expressed optimism about the collaboration and government support, highlighting the potential to advance Photosoft into clinical use for oesophageal cancer. Invion’s Executive Chair and CEO, Prof Thian Chew, echoed this enthusiasm, noting the milestone as a key step in expanding the technology’s clinical footprint.
While the funding and program milestones mark a positive development, the ultimate success will depend on the outcomes of preclinical studies and regulatory approvals. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely as Invion and Hanlim navigate these critical next steps.
Bottom Line?
This funding milestone sets the stage for Invion’s Photosoft technology to potentially transform oesophageal cancer treatment, but clinical success remains to be proven.
Questions in the middle?
- Will HL270 demonstrate sufficient efficacy and safety in preclinical models to advance to human trials?
- How will Invion and Hanlim navigate regulatory hurdles to initiate the first-in-human trial in Australia?
- What competitive advantages might Photosoft offer over existing and emerging oesophageal cancer therapies?
