KRICT–Canaph–Oscotec advance OCT-598 into clinic, setting a model for public–private drug development

Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), in collaboration with Canaph Therapeutics, and with clinical development led by Oscotec Inc., announced that the novel anticancer drug candidate OCT-598 (a dual EP2/EP4 inhibitor) has successfully entered the clinical development phase, marking a major milestone in Korea’s public–private drug development collaboration model.

OCT-598 was jointly discovered through close cooperation between KRICT (led by Principal Researcher Dr. Soobong Han) and Canaph Therapeutics from the early discovery stage. The project is widely recognized as a representative success case of a “relay research” model, in which innovation originating from a public research institute and a biotech venture is seamlessly transferred to an industry partner with strong commercialization capabilities.

With the successful administration of the first patient in a domestic Phase 1 clinical trial, development milestones have been triggered for the original developers, KRICT and Canaph Therapeutics. This milestone achievement officially validates both the scientific excellence and commercial value of OCT-598.

OCT-598 has attracted global attention due to its unique mechanism of action. The drug simultaneously inhibits the EP2 and EP4 receptors of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which are key pathways through which cancer cells acquire resistance and evolve against conventional anticancer therapies.

Preclinical studies demonstrated complete tumor regression when OCT-598 was administered in combination with standard therapies. Furthermore, the treatment induced durable anticancer immune memory, effectively suppressing tumor recurrence and metastasis.

The candidate also addresses the limitations of existing anticancer drugs by modulating the tumor microenvironment. By blocking mediators that promote tumor regrowth and suppress immune responses during cancer cell death, OCT-598 enhances the overall efficacy of anticancer treatments.

Oscotec has accelerated global clinical development, having obtained Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals for Phase 1 trials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2025 and from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in November 2025. Clinical evaluations are currently underway in patients with advanced solid tumors.

This achievement highlights a successful virtuous cycle within the Korean bio-pharmaceutical ecosystem, where the research capabilities of a government-funded institute and the innovation and investment of a biotech venture translate into tangible clinical outcomes.

Dr. Soobong Han of KRICT stated, “The successful clinical entry of OCT-598 demonstrates that organic collaboration among KRICT, Canaph Therapeutics, and Oscotec can achieve strong global competitiveness. Through close research partnerships with industry, we will continue to contribute to strengthening Korea’s national bio-industry.”

OCT-598 is currently being evaluated at major medical institutions in Korea, with plans to further solidify its position as a next-generation therapy for overcoming anticancer drug resistance through combination treatment with docetaxel, a standard therapy for solid tumors.

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KRICT is a non-profit research institute funded by the Korean government. Since its foundation in 1976, KRICT has played a leading role in advancing national chemical technologies in the fields of chemistry, material science, environmental science, and chemical engineering. Now, KRICT is moving forward to become a globally leading research institute tackling the most challenging issues in the field of Chemistry and Engineering and will continue to fulfill its role in developing chemical technologies that benefit the entire world and contribute to maintaining a healthy planet. More detailed information on KRICT can be found at https://www.krict.re.kr/eng/