PinotBio

PinotBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South Korea, specializing in the development of treatments for intractable diseases, particularly resistant and recurrent cancers. Founded in February 2017 as Bionetix Inc., the company rebranded to PinotBio in April 2020 to better reflect its focus. The company was established by its current CEO, Doo-Young Jung, an organic chemist with a background in intellectual property and business development from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and the Korean Intellectual Property Office. This expertise underpins the company's approach to creating novel molecules aimed at overcoming cancer resistance.

The core of PinotBio's operations is its proprietary PINOT-ADC™ platform, which develops next-generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). ADCs are targeted therapies that link a potent drug (payload) to an antibody, which then selectively delivers the drug to cancer cells. PinotBio's platform distinguishes itself by using a novel, independently developed camptothecin-based payload that inhibits Topoisomerase I and suppresses anti-apoptotic proteins, coupled with a customizable, cleavable linker. This dual-action mechanism aims to maximize anti-cancer effects while improving safety and overcoming resistance issues seen in existing therapies. The company's business model is centered on leveraging this platform for both in-house drug development and strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies. Revenue is generated through upfront payments, milestone achievements, and royalties from licensing its ADC platform technology.

PinotBio has secured significant partnerships, including a major licensing deal with Celltrion in October 2022, potentially worth up to $1.2 billion, to develop ADCs for up to 15 cancer targets. Another key collaboration is with the U.S.-based ConjugateBio, involving a total of 15 ADC targets and valued at over $250 million. Under these agreements, PinotBio provides the linker and payload technology, while its partners handle antibody development and target selection. Beyond its ADC platform, the company's pipeline includes small molecule candidates like NTX-301, a targeted therapy for blood and solid cancers, and NTX-101, an eye drop for glaucoma, both of which have advanced to clinical trials. The company has received substantial venture capital funding from investors including Celltrion, Lotte Biologics, Mirae Asset Venture, and IMM Investment Corp.

Keywords: antibody-drug conjugate, ADC platform, oncology, cancer therapy, drug development, clinical-stage biotech, linker-payload technology, camptothecin, Topoisomerase I inhibitor, Celltrion partnership, targeted therapy, solid tumors, blood cancer, biopharmaceutical, NTX-301, glaucoma, preclinical, clinical trials, venture capital, South Korea