Research & Development

Small molecules are designed to penetrate spaces where biologics are too large to enter. These compounds readily cross cell membranes and access the tumor environment to take advantage of weaknesses in cancer cells or reactivate immune cells in ways that result in cell death and tumor suppression.^1,2

Understanding how cancer cells survive and grow within their environment is a complex challenge. Our research team is focused on developing single treatments or combination therapies that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. We’re also studying how tumors hide from the immune system so we can design medicines that target those weak spots and make it easier for the body to fight back.

Unlike conventional inhibitor therapies that typically work by blocking target proteins, protein degraders work by inducing targeted protein breakdown and destruction. We’re advancing protein degraders known as Chimeric Degradation Activation Compounds (CDACs), which use the cell’s natural ability to dispose of unwanted cells like cancer cells. By harnessing this approach, therapies like protein degraders target cancer cell proteins to signal for them to be destroyed.³

Learn more about CDACs and how our investigational CDACs are different from other degraders.

Bi/multi-specific antibodies are specially designed treatments that help the immune system find and destroy cancer cells. They work by activating T-cells—a type of white blood cell that can kill harmful cells—and guiding them to specific markers found on tumors. These unique molecules can connect to two different targets at once or bring them closer together, helping the immune system attack cancer more precisely and effectively. We’re also exploring how combining these therapies might lead to stronger and longer-lasting responses against tumors.^4,5,6

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are specially designed proteins that recognize and attach to specific features on cancer cells. Once attached, they can either help the immune system destroy the cancer or block signals that the cancer cells need to grow and survive. As cancer treatments continue to advance, we are leading efforts to develop mAbs that can be used alone or in combination with other therapies. Our goal is to create powerful treatments that directly interfere with how cancer spreads.^6,7,8

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a type of cancer treatment that combine a targeted antibody with a powerful cancer-killing drug. Think of them like a precision-guided missile: the antibody helps the treatment find and attach to cancer cells, then delivers the drug directly where it’s needed. Once inside the cancer cell, the drug is released, helping to destroy the cell while limiting damage to healthy tissue.^9,10 Learn more about how BeOne is broadening the therapeutic scope for quality ADCs and developing manufacturing infrastructure to allow for scaling these innovative treatments faster.

Cytokine therapy works at the tumor site to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells. It uses natural proteins called cytokines, which act like messengers that tell immune cells when and where to take action. By boosting these signals, cytokine therapy can strengthen the body’s ability to fight cancer –either on its own or alongside other treatments. This type of treatment may potentially provide long-lasting effects while reducing the risk of side effects.^11,12

As part of our approach to discovering new treatments, we’re working on ways to boost the immune system to fight cancer more effectively. One promising area we’re exploring in cytokine therapy uses a natural protein called Interleukin-15, or IL-15. This potential treatment helps strengthen the immune response, and when combined with existing medicines, it could make those treatments even more effective.