Alentis Therapeutics' ALE.P02, an anti-Claudin-1 (CLDN1) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of patients with CLDN1-positive squamous solid tumors. This designation aims to expedite the development and review of ALE.P02, recognizing its potential to address unmet medical needs in this patient population. A phase 1/2 clinical trial is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2025 to evaluate the agent in patients with advanced or metastatic CLDN1-positive squamous solid tumors.
Mechanism of Action
ALE.P02 is a first-in-class ADC that targets the CLDN1 epitope, which is overexpressed on cancer cells in certain squamous solid tumors. The ADC comprises an antibody designed to bind to CLDN1 and a tubulin inhibitor as its cytotoxic payload. By selectively targeting CLDN1, which is normally hidden in tight junctions of healthy cells but exposed in tumor cells, ALE.P02 aims to deliver the cytotoxic agent directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Clinical Development Plan
With the FDA's clearance of the investigational new drug (IND) application in October 2024, Alentis Therapeutics is preparing to initiate a first-in-human phase 1/2 trial. This study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of ALE.P02 in patients with advanced or metastatic CLDN1-positive squamous solid tumors. The trial is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Rationale for CLDN1 Targeting
CLDN1, a tight junction protein, is normally involved in cell-cell adhesion. However, in various squamous cancers, CLDN1 is overexpressed and exposed outside of normal junctions, making it accessible to antibody-based therapies. This aberrant expression pattern allows for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues where CLDN1 is less accessible.
Alentis Therapeutics' Pipeline
In addition to ALE.P02, Alentis Therapeutics is also developing ALE.P03, another CLDN1-targeting ADC. While ALE.P02 is conjugated to a tubulin inhibitor, ALE.P03 utilizes a topoisomerase I inhibitor as its payload. Preclinical studies have shown promising results for both ADCs, with in vivo models demonstrating significant tumor growth inhibition and complete tumor regression following single-dose administration. Good laboratory practice toxicology studies are currently underway for ALE.P03 to assess its safety profile.
Expert Commentary
"Squamous cancers of various origin have been shown to overexpress CLDN1, making ALE.P02 a promising ADC to address the unmet medical needs of these patients," said Tony S. K. Mok, MD, professor of clinical oncology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "CLDN1 is an exciting new target for ADCs, and Alentis [Therapeutics] has been the frontrunner in developing anti-CLDN1 therapeutics."
Roberto Iacone, chief executive officer of Alentis Therapeutics, stated, "We are encouraged by the FDA’s recognition of ALE.P02’s potential as a treatment for CLDN1-positive squamous cancers. It reflects the importance of advancing ALE.P02 through clinical development, and it brings us one step closer to providing a new treatment option for patients."
Luigi Manenti, chief medical officer of Alentis Therapeutics, added, "We have set out to develop ALE.P02 in the most rational way, following CLDN1 science and the clinical understanding of squamous cancers. The FDA’s support in this endeavor is certainly motivating. We are optimistic about the potential of ALE.P02 and look forward to the start of our first-in-human clinical trial in the first quarter of 2025."
