Aptamer Sciences is set to begin Phase 1 clinical trials of AST-201, a new liver cancer drug utilizing an aptamer-based drug delivery platform known as Aptamer-Drug Conjugate (ApDC) technology, across four medical institutions in Korea. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of AST-201 in patients with advanced solid tumors expressing GPC3.
ApDC technology employs aptamers as targeted delivery agents, offering potential advantages over traditional antibody-based methods. This next-generation technology aims to deliver drugs with high efficiency to target cancer cells, reduce side effects, and streamline drug manufacturing processes.
An investigator meeting was held with principal investigators from CHA University Bundang Medical Center, National Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, and Severance Hospital to review the clinical trial protocol, patient recruitment strategies, and follow-up schedules. The goal is to ensure a smooth and efficient clinical trial process.
"There are a total of four sites conducting the phase 1 clinical trial of AST-201 for liver cancer, which will evaluate the safety and tolerability of AST-201 in up to 36 patients with GPC3-positive advanced solid tumors," Aptamer Sciences stated. The company also anticipates exploring efficacy as an adjunct to the trial to generate valuable data for potential technology transfer.
Lee Kwang-yong, CBO and head of the Bio Business Unit at Aptamer Sciences, commented, "All steps to initiate the clinical trial are on track, and we expect the first dose of AST-201 to be administered next January after recruiting eligible patients. We aim to have data for both dose groups in the first half of next year."
