BioPhoenix Secures U.S. Up Therapeutics License to Develop Novel Proteasome Inhibitor Against Cancer
BioPhoenix, a subsidiary of San Fu Chemical’s San Fu Biotech, announced on the 24th that it has signed a licensing agreement with U.S.-based innovative drug developer Up Therapeutics. BioPhoenix has acquired global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights for Up284, a first-in-class small molecule drug targeting solid tumors such as ovarian cancer. Both parties plan to submit an IND application and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials within the next 18 months.
BioPhoenix was spun off from San Fu Biotech in March 2025, focusing on integrating global R&D resources and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation technologies. The company concentrates on developing novel mechanism-based small molecule drugs targeting cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmic disorders.
Proteasome inhibitors are targeted therapies that exploit vulnerabilities in cancer cells, especially effective in treating multiple myeloma. Due to their breakthrough efficacy, related mergers and licensing deals have reached nearly tens of billions of dollars, reflecting their vast potential. Traditional proteasome inhibitors mainly target the “20S” core of the proteasome. However, a research team led by Professor Richard Roden at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discovered a novel target site within the proteasome’s “19S” regulatory particle, called RPN13, first reported in the prestigious journal Cancer Cell in 2013.
In 2016, this team founded Up Therapeutics and developed Up284, the world’s first and only drug precisely targeting RPN13 to block proteasome function. Leveraging an innovative spirocyclic chemical structure, Up284 avoids common side effects seen with traditional drugs like Velcade, including immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and drug resistance, showing improved safety and therapeutic potential.
Preclinical studies demonstrate Up284’s broad and potent cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, including ovarian cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and chemotherapy-resistant tumors. Mechanistic research shows Up284 induces the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins, triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately leading to tumor cell apoptosis.
Notably, Up284 synergizes with common chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin, while also activating the immune system to enhance tumor recognition and attack. Animal experiments further confirm its strong inhibitory effects on ovarian and other solid tumors, overcoming the traditional limitation of proteasome inhibitors mainly treating hematologic cancers, and revealing potential for broader oncologic applications. Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest gynecologic malignancy, with over 70% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Current treatments rely heavily on surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, but high recurrence rates and chemoresistance persist. Innovative therapies like Up284 with novel mechanisms could fulfill critical unmet needs in ovarian cancer treatment.
Simon Wu, Chairman of BioPhoenix, stated: “We are honored to collaborate with Up Therapeutics to develop Up284. This partnership not only deepens our commitment to oncology and other high unmet medical needs but also affirms our dedication to developing first-in-class small molecule drugs. We look forward to advancing rapidly into clinical trials and providing new treatment options for patients with ovarian and other solid tumors.”
Ravi Anchoori, Founder and CEO of Up Therapeutics, added: “Up284 is rooted in long-term research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and we are confident in its preclinical data. BioPhoenix’s robust expertise and team in drug development make them an ideal partner to accelerate Up284’s clinical progress and realize its potential in cancer therapy.”
Tsai-Kun Li, Executive Director of the Development Center for Biotechnology, commented: “The Development Center continues to play a crucial role in internationalizing Taiwan’s biotech industry. Leveraging over 20 years of global networks and strong business development capabilities, we previously helped San Fu Biotech introduce innovative technology from Japan’s REGiMMUNE. This latest success in facilitating the licensing partnership between BioPhoenix and U.S. heavyweight Up Therapeutics highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting Taiwanese biotech companies in expanding globally and enhancing Taiwan’s presence in the international biotech market.”