Innovative Bispecific Antibody AK132 Presented at SITC Meeting

New Insights into AK132's Mechanism of Action

At a recent annual gathering dedicated to cutting-edge advancements in cancer treatments, Akeso Biopharma showcased its remarkable bispecific antibody, AK132. This innovative therapy specifically targets Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) and CD47, which are essential components in the fight against several malignancies. AK132 has a unique design featuring a "1+1" valency. It’s crafted to block and target both CLDN18.2 and CD47 simultaneously, representing a major advancement in immunotherapy.

Understanding CD47 and CLDN18.2

In the realm of cancer research, CD47 has emerged as a significant player. It is often overexpressed in various cancer cells, sending signals to the immune system’s innate cells via its interaction with SIRP?. This communication ultimately inhibits the phagocytosis process, allowing tumors to evade immune detection. Claudin18.2, on the other hand, serves as a tight junction protein and is notably overexpressed in a range of primary cancers, particularly those of gastric and pancreatic origins. As a result, it has been identified as a pivotal target for therapeutic interventions aimed at these aggressive cancers.

AK132's Mechanisms and Efficacy

Recent studies indicate that AK132 binds with high affinity to human variants of both CLDN18.2 and CD47. This engagement is not merely about attachment; AK132 actively disrupts the interaction between CD47 and SIRP?. As a result, the blockade lifts the inhibition on the phagocytosis of tumor cells, allowing macrophages to effectively eliminate CLDN18.2+/CD47+ cancer cells. Besides enhancing the immune response, AK132 also invokes potent tumor cell killing through various Fc-mediated mechanisms such as Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC). Compared to traditional anti-CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibodies, AK132 has shown significantly superior antitumor activity in preclinical models.

Promising Safety Profile of AK132

Despite the potential of targeting CD47, traditional monoclonal antibodies have faced challenges due to adverse effects associated with red blood cells. AK132 distinguishes itself with a specialized structure that minimizes its affinity for CD47, notably reducing the risk of harm to red blood cells. In herbal studies, AK132 demonstrates a minimal binding affinity to human red blood cells and does not induce dangerous effects such as aggregation or cell death, reinforcing its promising safety profile.

Strategic Pipeline and Future Prospects

Akeso's commitment to innovation is evident as the company continues to build a competitive portfolio of bispecific antibodies. The recently approved Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the NMPA paves the way for AK132 to target advanced solid tumors in clinical settings. Leaders like cadonilimab and ivonescimab have already made it to the market, while four additional bispecifics including AK129, AK130, AK131, and AK132 are on their journey through clinical trials. Each of these candidates brings an array of possibilities in the treatment landscape of cancer.

About AK132 and Akeso

AK132 is designed not only to offer efficacy but also to maintain safety as it combats various cancers, including gastric, esophageal, and lung adenocarcinomas. Going forward, Akeso continues to be a trailblazer in biopharmaceuticals, dedicated to developing innovative treatments that create real-world value for patients. Since its founding, Akeso has established itself as a global competitor, focusing on providing first-in-class and best-in-class therapies across a broad array of medical challenges, from oncology to autoimmune diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AK132?

AK132 is a bispecific antibody developed by Akeso that targets Claudin18.2 and CD47 for cancer therapy.

Why is targeting CD47 important?

CD47 is overexpressed in many cancer types and promotes immune evasion, making it a critical target for cancer immunotherapies.

How does AK132 work against tumors?

AK132 disrupts the CD47-SIRP? interaction, enhancing tumor cell phagocytosis by immune cells and inducing direct tumor cell killing.

What cancers is AK132 being developed to treat?

AK132 is being explored for its effectiveness against gastric, pancreatic, ovarian, and lung adenocarcinomas.

What advantage does AK132 have over traditional therapies?

AK132 offers a unique safety profile that reduces adverse effects on red blood cells, addressing one of the major limitations of traditional CD47-targeting therapies.

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