[Edaily KIM JI-WAN Reporter] SCL Science(246960)is moving forward with both the clinical development of an AI-based cancer vaccine and a restructuring of its business operations. The company aims to administer the cancer vaccine, developed by its subsidiary Neogen Logic, to the first patient in 2028. A merger to directly integrate Neogen Logic’s technology and patents into the listed company is also being considered as a strong option.

SCL Science unveiled this cancer vaccine development roadmap at the “2026 R&D Day” event held on the 29th. The company plans to secure a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) this year and, starting next year, submit clinical trial protocols in South Korea and Japan to complete the necessary procedures for patient administration.

Clinical preparations will focus on three types of cancer: liver cancer, stomach cancer, and ovarian cancer. “DLV-N1” is intended to prevent recurrence after liver cancer surgery, “DLV-N2” is intended for use in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy for stomach cancer, and “DLV-T1” is intended for maintenance therapy for ovarian cancer. Neogen Logic is currently finalizing development strategies and clinical plans with clinical research institutions specializing in each cancer type.

The core of these personalized cancer vaccines lies in analyzing the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer cells to identify targets that will trigger an immune response. NeoGenLogic utilizes the AI platforms “DeepNeo” and “LexiNeo.” This technology predicts the likelihood that cancer cell targets, when presented to a patient’s immune system, will be recognized by T cells and B cells and lead to an immune response.

The company explains that the selection of partners for vaccine production has also entered its final stages. After reviewing domestic and international candidate companies, the company is finalizing contract terms with a messenger RNA (mRNA) manufacturer and a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturer, both of which have experience in advancing COVID-19 vaccines to the clinical trial phase. The specific scope of collaboration with these partners will be disclosed sequentially following the signing of the contracts.

In addition to vaccines tailored to individual patients, the company is also developing a universal cancer vaccine that can be used by multiple patients. Known as the “DLV-C” program, it targets new antigens derived from the “dark proteome.” This approach utilizes proteins abnormally produced in areas that have not received sufficient attention in existing genetic analyses.

The company explains that if it identifies targets that are selectively produced in cancer cells and are common to multiple patients, there is a possibility of pre-producing and supplying the vaccine. NeogenLogic plans to pursue joint research on DLV-C with a leading domestic mRNA vaccine company. The two sides are currently discussing a collaborative structure that leverages both parties’ technologies and manufacturing facilities, and they intend to disclose key development plans following the signing of the agreement.

SCL Science is also considering a merger with Neogen Logic in line with its clinical development plans. The aim is to streamline the decision-making process—from R&D through commercialization—and enhance the efficiency of personnel and resource allocation.

The company expects that by internalizing the AI cancer vaccine technology and patents held by its subsidiary through a merger, development achievements will be evaluated more directly in terms of SCL Science’s business value. The plan is to link future clinical progress, technology transfers, and joint development achievements to the listed company’s corporate value and shareholder value.

However, the merger is still under review. Details such as whether to submit the matter to the board of directors, the merger method and ratio, and the implementation schedule have not yet been determined. The company plans to proceed with the necessary procedures in accordance with relevant laws and disclosure regulations once specific plans are finalized.

An SCL Science official stated, “The SCL Group highly values Neogen Logic’s technological competitiveness and the potential for success in the cancer vaccine business, and is strongly committed to fostering this as a key growth business for the group.” The official added, “While laying the groundwork for clinical trials without delay, we will ensure that the value of the cancer vaccine business is more fully reflected in corporate value and shareholder value through the reorganization of our research and business systems and the internalization of core IP.”