LigaChem Biosciences Starts Phase 1/2 Drug Trial

The company has begun dosing the first patients in a clinical trial for a targeted cancer drug candidate.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Cancer

A close-up view of a clear glass medical vial sitting on a clean, polished laboratory surface.
LigaChem Biosciences has initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its antibody-drug conjugate LCB02A, targeting advanced gastric and pancreatic cancers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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LigaChem Biosciences announced the completion of the first patient dosing for its drug candidate LCB02A. This Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluates the antibody-drug conjugate in patients with advanced gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Why it matters

The study focuses on patients who have exhausted existing treatment options for their advanced solid cancers. It aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the targeted therapy in individuals whose tumors express the CLDN18.2 protein.

The clinical trial is enrolling up to 191 patients with CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors compared to a zero-patient baseline. The final safety results and therapeutic potential of the drug candidate remain under investigation.

The players

LigaChem Biosciences

This biotechnology company focuses on the development of antibody-drug conjugate therapies for various cancers.

The details

The trial is being conducted across specialized cancer centers in North America and South Korea. It specifically targets the CLDN18.2 protein, which is commonly found in certain solid cancers.

Timeline

  1. October 16, 2026: The first patient was dosed in the clinical trial.

Health Landscape

This trial follows the broader industry move to refine CLDN18.2-targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat solid tumors. It represents the next stage of medical research for patients who have failed existing treatment protocols.

This trial offers a new potential therapeutic route for patients who have already failed standard treatments for gastric and pancreatic cancer. Individuals should consult their oncologists to determine if they meet the specific diagnostic criteria for the study.

The takeaway

The initiation of this study marks a progression in targeted cancer drug development for patients with limited options. Monitoring the trial outcomes will be essential for understanding the potential future of CLDN18.2-based treatments.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in oncology research in our Cancer section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.

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