Y Biologics

Y-Biologics, founded in 2007, is a South Korean biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics. The company's leadership includes CEO Young-Woo Park, who brings extensive experience from LG Life Sciences and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), with a specialization in molecular biology and antibody development. His career goal was to establish a company focused on creating therapeutics for various diseases, a vision that led to the founding of Y-Biologics.

The company's core business revolves around two proprietary platform technologies: Ymax®-ABL and ALiCE. Ymax®-ABL is a human antibody library with a diversity of 10¹¹, meaning it contains over 100 billion different antibody genes. This extensive library enhances the probability of discovering unique antibodies for therapeutic use. The second platform, ALiCE (Antibody-Like Cell Engager), is a bispecific antibody technology designed to engage T-cells to target and eliminate cancer cells. ALiCE-based antibodies have a Y-shape similar to human antibodies, which is designed to improve safety and prolong their effectiveness in the bloodstream. Y-Biologics' business model includes developing its own drug candidates, entering into joint development partnerships, early-stage technology transfers, and providing contract research services (CRO) which generate stable cash flow. Their clients are primarily global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Y-Biologics has established a pipeline of more than 20 antibody candidates, including monospecific antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). A notable candidate, YBL-006 (Acrixolimab), is an anti-PD-1 antibody that has undergone Phase 1/2a clinical trials in Korea, Australia, and Thailand. The company has secured multiple licensing and joint R&D agreements with international partners. These include collaborations with Pierre Fabre, LegoChem Biosciences, and 3D Medicines. Initially a service provider, the company has transitioned into a full-fledged biotech firm. After several funding rounds, including a Series C of 37.4 billion KRW in 2018, Y-Biologics was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2023.

Keywords: antibody therapeutics, immuno-oncology, bispecific antibodies, human antibody library, Ymax-ABL, ALiCE platform, antibody-drug conjugates, oncology research, cancer treatment, T-cell engager, contract research organization, biopharmaceutical, clinical trials, drug discovery, therapeutic development, biotechnology, PD-1 inhibitor, Acrixolimab, molecular biology, biopanning, phage display, tumor microenvironment, licensing agreement, KOSDAQ