ABL Bio is now recognized as one of the fastest-growing biotech companies on the global stage. Since its founding, the company has signed multiple high-profile licensing deals with global pharmaceutical giants including Sanofi and GSK, redefining what’s possible for Korean biotech firms on the international stage. While many companies possess strong science, few turn it into tangible success. So what sets ABL Bio apart?

HitNews sat down with CEO Sang-Hoon Lee to explore the company's journey. Lee was clear from the start: “Strong science is just the baseline. The real key lies in how well that science is packaged and communicated.”

From day one, scientific excellence has been the backbone of ABL Bio. Drawing from his experience at leading biotechs like Genentech, Lee founded the company with the ambition to build Korea’s most scientifically advanced biotech. But excellence alone wasn’t enough — ABL Bio embedded a rigorous validation system into its R&D process, benchmarking candidates not only for efficacy, but also for toxicity and PK/PD profiles against competitors.

The company’s real differentiator, however, lies in anticipating what big pharma wants and preparing tailored data in advance. “Even with great science, if the data isn’t presented in the format big pharma expects, it won’t go anywhere,” Lee emphasized.

This proactive strategy paid off at the 2022 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, where ABL Bio signed a licensing deal with Sanofi for its Parkinson’s candidate, ABL301. A similar approach proved successful with GSK. “When GSK was still evaluating, the data we had already prepared answered all their questions. That’s when we knew our strategy worked,” said Lee.

ABL Bio also preemptively addressed safety concerns around its BBB shuttle platform, Grabody-B, by analyzing issues seen in competitors like Denali Therapeutics. It disclosed relevant data early, showing Grabody-B’s versatility in delivering not only antibodies but also therapeutics like siRNA and ASO — broadening its appeal.

“Strategic foresight and data readiness enabled us to secure global deals quickly,” Lee concluded.

Lee attributes the company’s continued success to strategic agility and timing. “In biotech, adaptability is everything. Even strong technology is useless if you can’t anticipate market needs and act early.”

ABL Bio has consistently demonstrated the courage to pivot. Years before bispecific ADCs became mainstream, the company had already launched joint research with Ligachem to establish its ADC platform. “Had we waited for the trend, we wouldn’t be here,” Lee noted. “We were ahead — and big pharma noticed.”

Such strategic shifts were possible only due to a strong scientific foundation. “You can’t pivot without substance. Science is the backbone of every strategic move.”

A key enabler was the tight integration between ABL Bio’s Business Development (BD) and R&D teams. With BD operations based in California and close ties to global partners, the Korean R&D team could respond in real time with exactly the data requested.

During GSK negotiations, dozens of virtual meetings were held. Each time, the R&D team swiftly generated tailored data. But as Lee noted, “It wasn’t just the data. It was how we packaged it. Our BD and R&D teams worked hand-in-hand to present the data in the exact format global partners expect. That’s what made the difference.”

This process has since become second nature — part of the company’s “operating system,” enabling ABL Bio to repeatedly execute successful deals.

Looking forward, Lee said the company is evolving beyond licensing alone. “We’re building what I call ABL Bio 2.0 — a royalty-based long-term model. For that, stable revenue is key.”

Plans include establishing a U.S.-based entity to oversee clinical trials for bispecific ADCs and a potential NASDAQ listing. “My goal is to see ABL Bio succeed globally under its own name,” he said. “I want the drugs we develop to reach real patients and improve lives.”

As the interview concluded, Lee offered candid advice to biotech founders facing today’s market downturn. “In this industry, struggle is inevitable. You just have to fight through. If you do, the path will eventually open.”

Lee spoke from personal experience. “When I started ABL Bio, the word I used most was ‘rock bottom.’ My lowest point was at Hanwha. But once you hit bottom, you can only go up — and effort creates opportunity.”

He urged founders not to give up, even in this so-called biotech winter. “Yes, we’re at the bottom. But if you endure and keep building, new opportunities will come.”

Lee encouraged collaboration over isolation. “Don’t try to do everything alone. Strategic partnerships can make a huge difference.” He pointed to ABL Bio’s recent collaboration with IntoCell on payload development as a model for joint innovation. “We’ve become something of an incubator, sharing platforms, giving advice, and helping others when we can.”

He ended where he began — with science. “At the end of the day, science decides who wins. Stay grounded in your science and keep moving forward.”