On November 2, 2018 I-MAB Biopharma Co., Ltd. ("I-Mab"), a Shanghai-based biotech company exclusively focused on innovative biologics in immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases, and Genexine Inc. (KOSDAQ: 095700), a South Korea-listed clinical stage pharma company developing innovative biologics, jointly reported that China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has officially approved the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for TJ107 (HyLeukin), the first and only long-acting recombinant human interleukin-7 (rhIL-7) globally to treat chemotherapy induced lymphopenia and cancer (Press release, I-Mab Biopharma, NOV 2, 2018, View Source [SID1234530691]).

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"We are pleased that the NMPA has given their greenlight to the IND filing, which is another significant development milestone in advancing our China Portfolio," said Joan Shen, M.D., Ph.D., President of R&D at I-Mab. "The clinical potential of TJ107 (HyLeukin) has been recognized and endorsed by the regulatory authorities, since there is no approved treatment globally for lymphopenia, the unmet medical need is substantial."

TJ107 (HyLeukin) is an immuno-oncology agent comprised of an optimally engineered interleukin-7 (IL-7) molecule based on Genexine’s proprietary hybrid Fc (hyFc) technology for half-life extension, with improved stability and developability. I-Mab has development and commercialization rights to TJ107 (HyLeukin) in Greater China through an exclusive licensing agreement with Genexine in December 2017.

"The IND approval in China for Hyleukin-7 clinical trial is a very important progress in its development and the data generated from the study in cancer patients with lymphopenia will significantly contribute to the global development of Hyleukin-7 as an antitumor immunotherapeutic," commented by Kyudon Kim, Ph.D., President at Genexine, Inc..

"Our long term goal is to develop TJ107 into a potential global first-in-class immuno-oncology therapy," Shen added