US-based OnCusp Therapeutics has entered into a licensing agreement with China’s Multitude Therapeutics for the global development and commercialization of AMT-707 (CUSP06), a preclinical-stage cadherin-6 (CDH6) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). OnCusp gains exclusive rights outside Greater China, while Multitude receives undisclosed upfront, milestone payments, and royalties.
Scientific Rationale and Drug Profile
CDH6 is highly expressed in ovarian and renal cancers and linked to other solid tumors. Multitude designed CUSP06 with high CDH6 binding affinity, a protease-cleavable linker, and an exatecan payload. Preclinical data suggest its linker/payload may enhance the “bystander effect” compared to competitor ADCs.
Collaboration and Development Plans
OnCusp and Multitude have engaged WuXi XDC for CMC services, with IND-enabling studies underway. OnCusp, a Sino-US firm with offices in New York and Shanghai, focuses on in-licensing preclinical candidates and advancing them to proof-of-concept before out-licensing.
OnCusp’s Background
Founded in April 2021 by Dr. Bing Yuan, former CStone executive, OnCusp secured $25 million in seed funding from investors including Sequoia Capital China and BioTrack Capital.-Fineline Info & Tech
