LG Chem has started preclinical studies of GNV205, a next-generation immuno-oncology candidate licensed from domestic biotechnology company Genuv, as it seeks to expand its anticancer pipeline and bolster global drug-development capabilities. The solid-tumor candidate is an antibody-cytokine fusion that combines a PD-1 antibody (an immune checkpoint blocker) with interleukin-2, or IL-2 (an immune-activating signaling protein). LG Chem said GNV205 is designed to optimize IL-2 activity in the acidic tumor microenvironment, with the goal of improving anticancer efficacy while limiting the systemic toxicity seen in normal tissue. The company plans to position the drug for patients who respond poorly to existing immuno-oncology treatments or develop resistance, and said the licensing deal marks a starting point for wider domestic and overseas open innovation.