ABL Bio said on the 28th that its U.S. subsidiary Neok Bio has completed the first patient dosing in U.S. Phase 1 trials of two bispecific antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) candidates under development.
The candidates that began Phase 1 dosing this time are "ABL206 (NEOK001)" and "ABL209 (NEOK002)." ABL206 is a bispecific antibody ADC therapy that targets two cancer markers (B7-H3, ROR1) simultaneously. It works by delivering anticancer agents directly to cancer cells.
In the preclinical stage, it showed improved cancer suppression and safety compared with existing single-target ADCs, and toxicity tests revealed no major issues.
ABL209 is a bispecific antibody ADC candidate that attacks two cancer targets, EGFR and MUC1, at the same time. It is being developed using the same type of anticancer chemical payload.
This candidate is expected to reduce the skin side effects commonly seen with existing EGFR-targeted therapies and to address the problem of cancer cells evading treatment.
Neok Bio plans to verify the safety and efficacy of the two candidates in earnest through these Phase 1 trials. Early clinical results are expected next year.
Chief Executive Lee Sang-hoon of ABL Bio said, "The market for monospecific ADCs is already highly competitive, but bispecific ADCs are just beginning," and added, "Neok Bio is drawing attention for its fast, U.S.-based development capabilities."
Neok Bio Chief Executive Mayank Gandhi said, "The rapid transition from preclinical to clinical stages shows our development capabilities," and noted, "It could become a new treatment option for patients with hard-to-treat solid tumors."