Molecular Glues: The Next Golden Track in Drug Discovery

Molecular Glues: Unique Mechanism Of Action Wide Market Prospects

Earlier this year, AbbVie announced a partnership with biotech company Neomorph for more than $1.6 billion to develop novel molecular glues protein degraders on multiple targets in oncology and immunology. The deal put molecular glues in the global spotlight again.

Previously, Molecular Glues‘s layout was mainly focused on IKZF1/3 targets, with indications for hematological tumors such as multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).

At present, global pharmaceutical companies are continuously expanding the application scope of molecular glues, with newly discovered targets such as GSPT1, RBM3 and PRMT5, covering solid tumors, autoimmune diseases and other fields.

With unique mechanism of action and broad application prospects, it has gradually become the next golden track that multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNCs) must fight for.

Domestic pharmaceutical companies such as Nuocheng Jianhua, Hengrui Medicine, and Zhengda Tianqing have also joined.

International Pharma Giants Race Into Molecular Glues Track

The molecular glues field is rapidly emerging as the next blockbuster frontier in drug discovery.

With broad clinical potential across oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and beyond, global pharmaceutical heavyweights are pouring investments into this cutting-edge modality.

According to industry data, from 2023 to 2024 there have been 13 major deals in the domain, with total contractual values exceeding US $18 billion, featuring partnerships with leading multinationals such as MSD (Merck), Roche, Bristol‑Myers Squibb (BMS), and Takeda (see table for details).

2023-2024 Collaborative Deals in the Molecular Glues:

Chinese Pharma Accelerates Breakthroughs

According to incomplete statistics, Chinese companies involved in the molecular glue field now include both established industry giants and up-and-coming biotech firms.

Notable names span Innovent Biologics, Hengrui Medicine, Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical, Wanchun Pharmaceutical, Biaoxin Biotech, Kangpu Biopharmaceuticals, Gabor Biotech, Weibin Pharmaceutical, JiaYue Pharma, InnoCare, and Youji Pushi, among others.

InnoCare Pharma’s ICP‑490, an Efficient and Selective IKZF1/3 Degrader, Enters Clinical Trials for Hematologic Malignancies

InnoCare Pharma’s molecular glue–based platform has led to the development of ICP‑490, a highly potent and selective IKZF1/3 degrader currently being evaluated in clinical trials—either as monotherapy or in combination regimens—for multiple myeloma (MM), non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), and other hematologic tumors.

Compared with earlier generations of immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs), ICP‑490 has demonstrated superior anti‑tumor activity and the ability to overcome lenalidomide resistance in preclinical models.

Furthermore, ICP‑490 has shown synergistic potential by enhancing antibody‑dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), particularly in combination with the anti‑CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab (Darzalex), in preclinical studies—providing a strong scientific rationale for its use in combination clinical therapies.

Notably, in August of last year, BeyondSpring Therapeutics, through its subsidiary Seed Therapeutics, entered into a $1.5 billion agreement with Eisai to develop novel molecular glue degraders targeting multiple undisclosed targets in neurodegenerative diseases and oncology.

Seed Therapeutics is an innovative company focused on leveraging molecular glue technology to tackle “undruggable” targets.

The company plans this year to advance a potential “best-in-class” oral RBM39 degrader into a Phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other indications.

Conclusion

Molecular glues have emerged as rising stars in the field of targeted protein degradation, with broad application prospects and enormous market potential that cannot be underestimated.

The emergence of the molecular glue sector has provided Chinese pharmaceutical companies with a platform to compete alongside international industry leaders.

Due to the high technical barriers and relatively low competition in this sector, combined with its expansion from oncology into broader disease areas, a strategic window has opened for domestic pharmaceutical companies capable of rapidly following suit to leapfrog their competitors.

In the future, as clinical trial data continue to emerge, some promising domestic molecular glue pipelines are expected to stand out, helping Chinese pharmaceutical companies strengthen their influence in the global market.

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