BerGenBio

The company is strategically focused on developing selective inhibitors for the AXL kinase enzyme, which plays a critical role in cancer's ability to spread, evade the immune system, and develop resistance to other treatments. These mechanisms are responsible for a vast majority of cancer-related mortalities. BerGenBio's primary market is oncology, specifically targeting aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers. Its business model centers on advancing its drug candidates through the rigorous phases of clinical trials to eventually secure regulatory approval and commercialize these new therapies, either independently or through partnerships with larger pharmaceutical firms. The company generates revenue through collaborations, milestone payments, and future drug sales.

The lead drug candidate in BerGenBio's pipeline is bemcentinib, a first-in-class, oral, and highly selective AXL inhibitor. Bemcentinib is being evaluated in clinical trials for its potential to treat severe lung disease and various aggressive cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The product works by blocking the AXL receptor, thereby making cancer cells more vulnerable to the body's immune response and other cancer therapies. This approach offers the potential to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes where current treatments have failed. The company's second asset is tilvestamab, a monoclonal antibody designed to block AXL function through a different mechanism, which has been evaluated for its potential in treating ovarian cancer.