Aptevo Therapeutics Presents Data on Its ADAPTIR�

SEATTLE, Jan. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: APVO ), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncology and hematology therapeutics, today announced that Dr. John Blankenship, a Lead Scientist at Aptevo, presented new data on the Company’s bispecific antibody program based on the ADAPTIR platform technology at the 16 ^th Annual PEPTALK conference in San Diego, January 9-13, 2017.

In a presentation entitled “ ADAPTIR™ Platform, a Novel Platform for Development of Immuno-Oncology Therapeutics ,” Dr. Blankenship presented new in vivo , in vitro , pharmacokinetic (PK) and stability data highlighting the advantages of using the ADAPTIR platform to develop novel immuno-oncology therapeutics. 

“The field of bispecific therapeutics is a rapidly emerging area in biotechnology and parallels the development of monoclonal antibodies many decades ago, but with greater therapeutic promise," said Dr. Jane Gross, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for Aptevo.  “The ability to engage the immune system to fight cancer and other chronic diseases is a concept that has been heralded for some time, yet recent technological and scientific advances have made the promise of immunotherapy more achievable. 

As pioneers in this field, Aptevo has developed the ADAPTIR platform to engage the immune system in a targeted, controlled fashion. Data presented at the conference showed that ADAPTIR molecules offer key advantages over other bispecific formats, derived in part from the flexible and modular nature of the ADAPTIR structure. Potent biological activity can be achieved, while retaining standard manufacturing characteristics.  ADAPTIR bispecific molecules utilize a homodimeric format that avoids the potential manufacturing issues associated with heterodimeric bispecific formats.  In addition, ADAPTIR bispecific molecules have demonstrated antibody-like serum half-life in rodents (up to 12 days in mice), in the data presented at PEPTALK.” 

Data were also presented showing that ADAPTIR molecules have unique properties for redirecting T-cell cytotoxicity (RTCC) compared to other bispecific platforms, including a favorable cytokine release profile.  Preclinical studies presented by Dr. Blankenship at PEPTALK and recently published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biology (2016 Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2155–65. ) demonstrated the increased potency of ADAPTIR molecules, which displayed target-dependent induction of RTCC at lower concentrations than other bispecific antibody formats.  In addition, in these studies, ADAPTIR molecules were shown to induce T-cell proliferation and serial lysis of target-bearing cells, but with lower levels of T-cell dependent cytokines compared to other bispecific formats.  If these data are confirmed in clinical studies, it could suggest the potential for enhanced safety and tolerability compared to other immuno-oncology approaches.

Two ADAPTIR molecules are currently undergoing clinical trials, with several more bispecific immunotherapies in preclinical development. The advantages of the ADAPTIR platform provides an opportunity for diverse therapeutic applications in the future. 

About Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on novel oncology and hematology therapeutics to meaningfully improve patients’ lives. Our core technology is the ADAPTIR™ modular protein technology platform. Aptevo has four commercial products in the areas of hematology and infectious diseases, as well as various investigational stage product candidates in immuno-oncology.

Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding Aptevo’s outlook, financial performance or financial condition, our technology and related pipeline, collaboration and partnership opportunities, commercial portfolio and any other statements containing the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “will” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptevo’s current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events. Aptevo cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from Aptevo’s expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Aptevo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.

There are a number of important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including possible negative effects on our business operations, assets or financial results as a result of the separation; a deterioration in our business or prospects; the ability of our contractors and suppliers to supply product and materials;  our ability and the ability if our contractors and suppliers to maintain compliance with cGMP and other regulatory obligations; the results of regulatory inspections; adverse developments in our customer-base or markets; adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets or economies generally; and changes in regulatory, social and political conditions. Additional risks and factors that may affect results are set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Aptevo’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed on November 14, 2016. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement.

Source: Aptevo Therapeutics Stacey Jurchison Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications 206-859-6628 JurchisonS@apvo.com