[Edaily Reporter KIM SAE-MI ] CapsBio announced on the 24th that its dual-molecule-adhesive-degradable compound targeting pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been finally selected for the active compound stage of the “2026 First Round of Newly Funded Projects under the National New Drug Development Project,” organized by the National New Drug Development Project Agency.

The goal of this project is to identify active and lead compounds for a GSPT1·ZFP91 dual molecularly-adhesive degradator targeting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a major type of pancreatic cancer. CapsBio is a new drug development company specializing in covalent and molecularly targeted degraders, and plans to identify candidate compounds using “RaPIDome,” its proprietary chemoproteomics-based platform.

RaPIDome is a platform used for candidate compound synthesis, target protein validation, on- and off-target analysis, lead optimization, and toxicity prediction. This pipeline represents the first molecular adhesive degrader project identified by CapsBio through RaPIDome.

GSPT1 is a factor involved in the protein translation termination process and is being studied as a target for targeted protein degradation (TPD)-based anticancer therapy. CapsBio plans to induce cancer cell-specific vulnerability by simultaneously degrading GSPT1 and ZFP91, and to confirm the potential for developing a therapeutic agent with a mechanism of action distinct from existing KRAS inhibitors.

Following the identification of active compounds, CapsBio intends to advance the project to the preclinical candidate stage through lead optimization and evaluations of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, selectivity, and safety.

Choi Hwan-geun, Co-CEO of CapsBio, stated, “Our selection for this project is recognition of the development potential of the GSPT1/ZFP91 dual molecular adhesive degrader and the new drug discovery capabilities of the Rapidome platform,” adding, “We will secure lead compounds and preclinical candidates as soon as possible to strengthen our competitiveness in the development of solid tumor treatments.”

Meanwhile, a project to identify lead compounds for next-generation menin inhibitors and degraders—on which CAPS Bio is collaborating with the Pharos iBio Co., Ltd.(388870)—has also been selected for the National New Drug Development Project’s lead compound phase support program. This project aims to overcome acquired resistance mutations that may arise with existing menin inhibitors.