HK inno.N

HK inno.N-Nextgen Bioscience, a partnership for joint development of new pulmonary fibrosis therapy

- Signed a joint R&D agreement for NXC680, a new treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

- FDA Orphan Drug Designation received... Expanding the new drug pipeline for unmet medical needs

Photo. HK inno.N Vice President Geun-seog Song (right) and Nextgen Bioscience CEO Bong-yong Lee (left), are taking a commemorative photo to mark the signing of the joint R&D agreement.

HK inno.N announced on the 20th that it has entered into a joint research & development agreement with Nextgen Bioscience (hereinafter Nextgen) for 'NXC680', a candidate compound for treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Through the agreement, the partnership combines the research and development capabilities of HK inno.N demonstrated by the development of K-CAB (tegoprazan), a blockbuster new drug, and the research accomplishments of Nextgen in the development of a candidate compound, aiming to accelerate entry into clinical trials and facilitate the exploration of opportunities for global commercialization and business development.

HK inno.N will be in charge of optimizing the dosage form for the final drug product and operating clinical trials, while Nextgen Bioscience will be responsible for supplying the drug substance and providing data from their previous studies. Based on these contributions in the partnership, the two companies will co-conduct a Phase 1 trial.

NXC680 is a candidate compound for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that has been under development by Nextgen. This substance has shown potential to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in a non-clinical study, and has already received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In South Korea, it has obtained approval for its Phase 1 clinical trial under the investigational new drug (IND) program, recognized as a competitive pipeline from the early development stage.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which inflammation develops in the tissue surrounding the alveoli, which progresses to fibrosis, resulting in impairment of lung function. The prognosis is very poor, with an average survival period of only 3 to 5 years. With currently available therapies, fundamental treatment or a cure is not possible, making IPF a condition with high unmet medical needs. Given the characteristics of the condition with high geriatric prevalence along with the trend of aging population, the global market size for the IPF treatment is projected to reach USD 4.87 billion (approx. KRW 7.18 trillion) in 2025 and USD 9.23 billion (approx. KRW 13.61 trillion) by 2033.

Geun-seok Song, Vice President of HK inno.N, commented on the significance of the partnership, "We value the partnership as a meaningful progress, expanding promising pipelines based on HK inno.N’s R&D capabilities with open innovation," and added, " Our goal is to maximize the value of competitive candidates addressing high unmet medical needs, while reinforcing a sustainable global drug portfolio for mid-to-long-term growth."

Bong-yong Lee, CEO of Nextgen Bioscience, shared the aspirations, "The collaboration will increase the pace of development with clinical trials, combining Nextgen’s research achievements with HK inno.N's clinical capabilities," and "Building on the strengths of the two companies, we will put our utmost efforts to provide new treatment options for IPF patients." (END)

(Reference Information)

■ Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A chronic lung disease of unknown cause characterized by fibrosis of lung tissue

■ Orphan Drug Designation (ODD): Orphan Drug Designation is a US FDA program that incentivizes development of rare disease drugs by offering various regulatory and financial benefits for the eligible cases of drug development

■ Mean survival and average life expectancy of IPF: “New Guidelines for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis” (Korean J Med, Vol. 98, Issue No. 2, 2023)

■ Prevalence of IPF: Analysis of Rare Disease Incidence and Trends in South Korea: 2022 Data (Public Health Weekly Report, Vol. 18, Issue No. 35, 2025)

■ Value of the Global IPF Treatment Market: Global Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Market (2025-2033) (Global Research & Data, 2025)

■ Exchange rate: KRW 1,474.60 (Based on April 16, 2026)