Biotech company Orium Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Sang Hyun Lee as the head of its Korean research center. Dr. Lee is a research leader with extensive experience in the field of protein degradation, filling a previously vacant position. This appointment is expected to accelerate the expansion of R&D synergy between Korea and the U.S.
On the 21st, Orium Therapeutics announced through an industry release that Dr. Lee will oversee R&D in Korea, managing approximately 20 domestic researchers including those from subsidiaries. This personnel change will transition the Korean research organization from operating under the direct supervision of U.S. research head Dr. James Palacino to an independent management system.
Dr. Lee earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Texas, and has conducted postdoctoral research in cancer biology and drug development at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, amassing over 20 years of leadership experience in the field. He has co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed papers.
Dr. Lee possesses deep expertise in the TPD (Targeted Protein Degradation) field, specifically in technologies like PROTACs (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras) and DACs (Degrader-Antibody Conjugates). He has previously led the development of targeted protein degradation programs at Prelude Therapeutics and Arvinas.
Orium Therapeutics CEO Seung-Joo Lee stated, “This strategic hire is part of our ongoing efforts to establish global leadership in the TPD-based therapeutics sector. Dr. Lee’s expertise and experience in achieving clinical entry will play a crucial role in expanding our payload platform and strengthening our new drug pipeline.”
Dr. Sang Hyun Lee commented, “Orium surpasses existing treatment limitations by combining antibody-based precise delivery technology with protein degradation technology. I look forward to working with the team to expand the potential of TPD payloads and provide innovative therapies to patients.”
Meanwhile, Orium Therapeutics is developing next-generation cancer treatments based on its proprietary precision targeted protein degradation technology (TPD²). This technology employs a differentiated approach that combines antibody cell delivery functions with targeted protein degradation mechanisms to selectively degrade specific proteins within cancer cells.