1. Onconik Therapeutics Expands Clinical Trials to Gastric Cancer

Onconik Therapeutics applied to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on July 30, 2025, for approval to amend its Phase 1b/2 clinical trial plan for the anticancer drug candidate Nesuparib to include gastric cancer. This expansion, following the existing pancreatic cancer clinical trial, represents a significant step in demonstrating Nesuparib’s market scalability.

2. Analyzing Key Growth Drivers: Zaqub & Nesuparib

2.1 Zaqub: Steady Growth, but Concerns about Intensifying Competition

Zaqub showed a successful market entry, achieving close to 7 billion won in sales in the first quarter of 2025. Technology transfer agreements with 19 countries are expected to act as a long-term growth momentum. However, the possibility of intensifying competition and uncertainties surrounding the technology transfer agreements require continuous monitoring.

2.2 Nesuparib: A High-Risk, High-Return Investment

Nesuparib has increased its chances of successful drug development by receiving FDA Orphan Drug Designation. Its differentiated mechanism as a PARP/Tankyrase dual inhibitor is advantageous for securing global competitiveness. However, being in the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial stage, considerable time and funds are required until market launch, and the uncertainty of clinical trial results remains high.

3. Macroeconomic Impact on Onconik Therapeutics

  • Positive Factors: Low South Korean base rate is positive for Zaqub’s sales growth, low US 10-year Treasury yield is positive for the overall investment environment.
  • Negative Factors: High US base rate could increase Nesuparib’s development funding costs and investment risks.

4. Investment Strategy: Thorough Analysis and Risk Management are Essential

Onconik Therapeutics has growth potential, but the results of Nesuparib’s clinical trials will significantly impact its corporate value. Investment decisions should be made after thorough analysis of clinical results, progress of technology transfer agreements, changes in macroeconomic indicators, and the competitive landscape, along with a well-defined risk management strategy.