China-based Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd (SHA: 600216) announced that its subsidiary NovoCodex Biopharmaceuticals Ltd has received approval to conduct a clinical study of ARX305, a Category 1 biologic drug targeting CD70 and AS269, for advanced tumors. The drug is designed to treat CD70-positive cancers, including renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma.
Drug Profile
ARX305, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), was licensed from US biotech Ambrx Inc. in October 2019, granting NovoCodex exclusive rights in China. CD70, a protein expressed in activated lymphocytes, is a key target for hematological malignancies.
Market Context
Currently, no CD70-targeted drugs are on the market globally. Competing programs include:
- Bristol-Myers Squibb: MDX1411 (anti-CD70 mAb).
- Seagen: SEA-CD70 (licensed to BeiGene for China trials in 2021).
- ImmuneOnco Biopharmaceuticals: IMM40H (anti-CD70 mAb under review in China).
ARX305 joins a growing pipeline of CD70-targeted ADCs focused on renal cancer and lymphomas.-Fineline Info & Tech
