By Fineline Cube 
China-based Zhejiang Anglikang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHE: 002940) announced that it has received clinical clearance from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its Category 1 chemical injectable ALK-N001. The product is indicated for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.
ALK-N001 Mechanism
ALK-N001 is a first-in-class tumor microenvironment activated small molecule conjugate product. It was licensed from an undisclosed firm for development in Greater China. Its drug molecule is composed of three parts: a maleimide group (MI), a short peptide amino acid group modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), and a cytotoxic anti-tumor drug DXD derived from ezetimibe.
Mode of Action
After intravenous injection, ALK-N001 covalently binds with albumin through an orthogonal reaction. This binding stabilizes the drug in the blood and normal tissues, thereby minimizing blood and systemic toxicity. ALK-N001 is transported into the tumor microenvironment where the short peptide linker is cleaved by Legumain, releasing active DXD molecules. This mechanism enables localized anti-tumor effects within the tumor.-Fineline Info & Tech