MetaFines will receive a non-refundable upfront payment of 2 billion KRW, followed by 46 billion KRW in development milestone payments, and up to a total of 100 billion KRW including royalties based on post-commercialization net sales.

ASCA101CC is a pipeline drug under development for cancer cachexia, a complex metabolic disorder commonly seen in cancer patients, leading to weight loss, fatigue, appetite suppression, and muscle wasting. It affects 50–80% of cancer patients and contributes to 20% of cancer-related deaths, often leading to treatment discontinuation. Currently, available treatments focus only on appetite stimulation, and no drugs exist to directly improve cachexia symptoms.

ASCA101CC is a cancer metabolism drug combining metabolic compounds that suppress cancer cell proliferation. It works by improving energy metabolism, inhibiting catabolism in cancer patients, and regulating inflammatory factors related to cachexia, thereby preventing weight and muscle loss.

In its Phase 1 clinical trial, conducted on patients with end-stage solid tumors, ASCA101CC demonstrated a sustained increase in skeletal muscle mass over the treatment period, along with prevention and improvement of weight loss.

Following this agreement, MetaFines plans to analyze weight and muscle mass improvements, enhanced muscle function, and overall quality of life in its upcoming Phase 2 clinical trial.

Additionally, MetaFines intends to expand its pipeline to address cachexia associated with general diseases and sarcopenia, and is currently preparing for Phase 2 trials targeting ovarian and liver cancer.

A MetaFines representative stated, "Through our partnership with Korea BMI, we are committed to developing an innovative new drug for cancer cachexia, an area with no existing treatment options, to improve cancer patients' quality of life."

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