BioCity Biopharmaceutics Forms Strategic Partnership with MSD
BioCity Biopharmaceutics Co., Ltd., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced an exciting new collaboration with MSD, also known as Merck & Co., Inc. This partnership aims to evaluate the potential of BioCity’s BC3195 in combination with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
Clinical Trial Highlights
As part of this collaboration, BioCity will conduct a global phase 1/2 clinical trial focused on assessing the safety and efficacy of BC3195 when used alongside KEYTRUDA. This agreement allows both companies to retain commercial rights for their respective products. Recruitment for this important clinical study is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Potential of BC3195
BC3195 holds unique significance as it is currently the only antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CDH3 (P-Cadherin) in clinical development worldwide. So far, preclinical studies have shown that BC3195 effectively binds to CDH3 and gets internalized efficiently, demonstrating strong potential for cancer therapy.
What makes BC3195 especially intriguing is its design, which features a clinically validated cleavable linker and payload, allowing it to destroy not only targeted cancer cells but also nearby cells, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. In various animal models, BC3195 exhibited an encouraging safety profile and impressive antitumor activity, with some models showing more than 100% tumor growth inhibition.
Current Development Status
BC3195 is currently undergoing concurrent Phase I dose optimization and expansion trials in both the U.S. and in selected markets. The ongoing trials have indicated that BC3195 has manageable safety attributes along with favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. Patients across different tumor types have experienced significant antitumor activity, with several confirmed partial responses observed.
About BioCity Biopharmaceutics
Established in December 2017, BioCity Biopharmaceutics is dedicated to crafting innovative therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders, including chronic kidney diseases. With a robust pipeline that includes more than 10 unique drug candidates, the company is pushing the boundaries of biotechnology.
Among its core oncology assets, BioCity is developing multiple promising candidates, including first-in-class ADCs targeting CDH3 and GPC3, alongside inhibitors such as WEE1 and ATR that target the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. They are also collaborating with AstraZeneca on a monoclonal antibody that targets TIM-3, highlighting their commitment to cutting-edge research and treatment solutions.
Contact Information
For more details about their innovations, interested readers can find additional information on their official website or reach out via email. BioCity is accessible for inquiries at BD@biocitypharma.com or for investor relations at IR@biocitypharma.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of the BioCity and MSD collaboration?
The collaboration aims to explore the safety and efficacy of BC3195 in combination with KEYTRUDA for treating solid tumors.
What are the main characteristics of BC3195?
BC3195 is the only ADC targeting CDH3 in clinical development, designed to effectively target and destroy tumor cells.
What does the clinical trial process entail?
The process involves recruiting participants to evaluate the therapy's effects over various phases, focusing on safety and effectiveness.
How is BioCity Biopharmaceutics addressing cancer treatment?
BioCity focuses on developing novel therapeutics and has a diverse pipeline of drug candidates targeting various cancer types.
Where can I find more information about BioCity?
More information is available on their official website or by contacting their business development and investor relations teams.
