Antengene Corporation Ltd (HKG: 6996), a China-based biopharmaceutical company, has announced that the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, has approved a Phase I study for its best-in-class anti-CD24 antibody, ATG-031. The clinical study, codenamed the PERFORM trial and led by MD Anderson, will involve patients with advanced solid tumors or B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).
ATG-031: A First-In-Class Humanized CD24 Monoclonal Antibody
ATG-031 is a groundbreaking humanized CD24 monoclonal antibody that targets the “don’t eat me” signal to prevent tumor immune evasion and enhance macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells. CD24, a prominent “don’t eat me” signal, plays a significant role in tumor immune evasion by suppressing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Compared to CD47, another well-known “don’t eat me” target, CD24 has a more restricted distribution in normal tissue and higher expression in cancerous tissue. This selective expression allows for a wider therapeutic window and minimizes on-target-off-tumor toxicity. Unlike CD47, CD24 is not expressed on human red blood cells, further expanding the potential therapeutic window for ATG-031.
Clinical Development and Approvals
ATG-031 earned its first trial approval in the US in May of this year, marking a significant step in the development of this innovative therapy. The upcoming PERFORM trial at MD Anderson will provide crucial data on the safety and efficacy of ATG-031 in patients with advanced solid tumors or B-NHL, potentially paving the way for new treatment options in oncology.
Conclusion
The approval of the Phase I study for ATG-031 by MD Anderson’s IRB is a testament to Antengene’s commitment to advancing novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment. With its unique mechanism of action and potential for minimal off-tumor toxicity, ATG-031 holds promise for patients with a range of cancers.-Fineline Info & Tech
