• The company will focus on discovering next-generation LRRK2 inhibitors to reveal new biological mechanisms and develop innovative treatment options.

YONGIN, South Korea, April 15, 2025 – 1ST Biotherapeutics (1STBIO), a biopharmaceutical firm in clinical stages dedicated to creating treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, has announced its participation in The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program. As an industry partner, 1STBIO will contribute novel strategies to LRRK2 research, accelerating the creation of new treatments for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

The LITE initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Dario Alessi, a distinguished kinase researcher from the University of Dundee, unites over 20 leading academic institutions with 20 biotech and pharmaceutical companies. 1STBIO is dedicated to furthering the discovery of next-generation LRRK2 inhibitors that feature unique binding modes to unlock new biological mechanisms. By utilizing LITE’s open science platform, the Company intends to accelerate LRRK2 research and convert scientific insights into transformative treatments for Parkinson’s patients worldwide.

Dr. Jamie Jae Eun Kim, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 1STBIO, commented, “LITE presents a valuable opportunity for us to work alongside top-tier researchers and industry experts within an open science environment. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to quickly advancing LRRK2-targeted therapies, which could greatly improve the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease.”

1STBIO’s pipeline features promising novel LRRK2-targeting candidates, and its involvement with LITE is anticipated to improve data collection and deepen the understanding of disease mechanisms associated with LRRK2.

“LRRK2 remains a promising therapeutic target, and MJFF is a strong believer in the power of bringing together the knowledge of industry and academia to propel LRRK2 drug development. We eagerly anticipate what our partners can accomplish through collaboration within the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange,” stated Shalini Padmanabhan, Senior Vice President of Discovery and Translational Research at MJFF.

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About 1ST Biotherapeutics, Inc.

1ST Biotherapeutics is a science-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, immuno-oncology, and rare disorders. Established in 2016, the Company has built a pipeline of investigational drugs designed to address significant unmet medical needs. The Company’s headquarters are located in Yongin, South Korea. More information is available at http://www.1stbio.com

About the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) Program

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) launched LITE in 2024 to facilitate new therapeutic strategies for LRRK2, connect companies creating LRRK2-targeting therapies with key pharma and biotech figures, and offer preclinical and clinical resources to establish optimal practices for advancing LRRK2-targeted therapeutics. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene, linked to Parkinson’s disease, were first identified in 2004 and are now recognized as the most prevalent cause of inherited PD. Based on MJFF’s commitment to open science, LITE promotes international collaboration among over 30 academic and clinical centers and more than a dozen companies. The initiative is managed by a steering committee comprised of MJFF staff and leaders in the field, and is implemented by the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. The LITE program will also benefit from collaborations with programs supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative, including the Collaborative Research Network (CRN), the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements that do not pertain to historical facts, including those concerning 1ST Biotherapeutics, Inc. (“1STBIO”)’s research and development plans, the potential of its LRRK2-targeting candidates, its involvement in the LITE program, and the anticipated impact of this involvement on Parkinson’s disease treatment development, are forward-looking statements. These statements represent 1STBIO’s current expectations and predictions about future events and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual outcomes may significantly differ from those expressed or implied in these statements due to several factors. 1STBIO is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Contact 1ST Biotherapeutics, Inc.
info@1stbio.com
Tel. +82 31 8023 5332

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