US-based AVEO Oncology, an LG Chem (KRX:051910) company, announced on Tuesday that it has signed an exclusive development and option agreement with HiberCell Inc, a developer of therapies targeting adaptive-stress driven vulnerabilities to combat treatment resistance, cancer relapse, and metastasis.

This agreement covers the development of HiberCell's first-in-human human protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) inhibitor, HC-5404, alone and in combination with AVEO's potent and selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), FOTIVDA (tivozanib).

FOTIVDA is an anti-angiogenic agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2021 for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following two or more prior systemic therapies. Pre-clinical studies of HC-5404 in multiple solid tumour models, including gastric cancer and RCC, suggest the potential for enhanced anti-tumour efficacy when combined with an anti-angiogenic agent.

Under the agreement, AVEO is responsible for conducting initial stage clinical development. During the Phase 2 clinical trial, AVEO will have the option to obtain an exclusive licence for the development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of HC-5404 in all therapeutic indications worldwide for an undisclosed option fee. If AVEO exercises its option, HiberCell will be eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties for global net sales of HC-5404, contingent upon successful development and commercialisation.