Celltrion announced on the 29th that it has signed a joint research and development agreement with the domestic biotech company 'Portrai' for new drug discovery. Portrai, established in South Korea in 2021, participated in the third phase of Celltrion's open innovation program last August.

The company possesses a database and platform for 'Spatial Transcriptomics,' a next-generation technology. Spatial transcriptomics is a technique that analyzes gene expression information within tissues along with location data. It is an advanced technology from traditional single-cell transcriptomics analysis, allowing the mapping of cell distribution within tissues and understanding the spatial interactions of individual cells, such as normal and cancer cells.

Based on this, analyzing tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment through cancer patient tissue samples can reveal unique gene expression patterns for each cancer type. This concept can serve as a foundation for establishing personalized treatment strategies, making it highly promising in the field of precision medicine.

Under the agreement, Celltrion will utilize Portrai's spatial transcriptomics database and its AI-based analysis platform, PortraiTARGET, to jointly pursue the discovery of new drug targets. Portrai will identify new targets through multi-omics analysis, including spatial transcriptomics. In this process, Celltrion will secure exclusive rights to up to 10 targets and will be responsible for discovering therapeutic candidates and overseeing the entire development process thereafter.

The contract, including the upfront payment, is valued at up to approximately KRW 125.9 billion, depending on the development stage. Once the product is commercialized and sales commence, royalties will be paid separately to Portrai.

Through this collaboration, Celltrion aims to strengthen its proprietary new drug pipeline by securing new targets. As the patient population in the field of cancer treatment becomes more segmented, there is a trend where treatment is reaching its limits with only well-known or verified targets. Celltrion plans to discover new targets with a high probability of commercialization success through spatial transcriptomics-based analysis using actual patient samples and develop differentiated new drug candidates based on these findings.

A Celltrion representative stated, "We expect greater possibilities for substance discovery and new drug development through joint research," adding, "We will continue to actively utilize new technologies for innovative new drug development in various areas, including the high unmet medical need field of oncology, and actively secure future growth engines."

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