Tai-Ray's Novel ADC Drug in Talks with Three Global Pharma Companies; First Patient Enrolled in Cancer Drug Trial

Tai-Ray (6580-TW) announced today (21st) that, building on the development of its anticancer agent CVM-1118, it has created a novel payload (CVM-1125) applicable to Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), drawing international attention and signing confidentiality agreements with three global pharmaceutical companies.

Additionally, the company reported that the Phase II clinical trial of its core anticancer drug CVM-1118 for liver cancer in China has been successfully initiated, with the first six patients enrolled.

Tai-Ray noted that ADCs have become a major focus in global oncology drug development, with international pharmaceutical companies continuously engaging in large-scale licensing and acquisition deals. The company, deeply committed to small-molecule anticancer drug R&D, has leveraged its work on CVM-1118 to develop the novel ADC payload CVM-1125.

CVM-1125 exerts its anticancer effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor metabolic pathways—a differentiated mechanism of action compared to currently dominant payloads.

The company explained that CVM-1125 is less susceptible to common drug efflux pumps (such as MDR1/P-gp), giving it potential to overcome multidrug resistance. Furthermore, while destroying cancer cells, CVM-1125 can release signals that trigger immune responses, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, indicating potential for combination therapy with immunotherapies.

Regarding its core anticancer drug CVM-1118, Tai-Ray stated that the Phase II clinical trial for liver cancer in China has successfully launched, with the first six patients enrolled. This is a Phase II, single-arm, open-label clinical trial primarily evaluating the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of CVM-1118 in combination with the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab injection and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable, non-metastatic intermediate-stage liver cancer. The trial aims to enroll 40 patients across multiple medical centers in China.

Chairman Lin Qun stated that the company presented its R&D achievements and clinical progress of CVM-1118 during its corporate presentation at the BIO International Convention in the U.S., conducting one-on-one business meetings with over 20 global pharmaceutical companies and receiving positive feedback. The company will continue close collaboration with clinical research centers in China to accelerate trial execution and hopes to provide a promising new treatment option for liver cancer patients.