SK Biopharma signs $315 million deal with 1ST Biotherapeutics for preclinical Parkinson’s drug 1ST-104

SK Biopharmaceuticals has entered a licensing agreement with South Korean biotech 1ST Biotherapeutics that could be worth up to $314.8 million. The deal includes an upfront payment of $1.8 million, a matching near‑term payment, and milestone‑based payments that together reach the total value.

The partnership focuses on 1ST-104, an oral small‑molecule that simultaneously inhibits the LRRK2 and c‑Abl enzymes. The candidate is still in preclinical development and is being added as a second Parkinson’s disease therapy to SK’s pipeline.

In addition to the licensing fees, SK is making a $2.2 million equity investment in 1ST Biotherapeutics and will receive royalty payments if 1ST-104 eventually reaches the market.

Targeting LRRK2 is an active area of research, with other companies pursuing similar approaches despite recent safety concerns and mixed trial results. The new collaboration expands SK’s focus on novel mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease treatment.