Axcynsis Therapeutics Pte Ltd has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AT03-65, a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting Claudin-6 (CLDN6). This clearance allows Axcynsis to proceed with clinical trials for AT03-65, a significant advancement in the company's oncology pipeline.
Differentiated CLDN6-Targeting ADC
AT03-65 is designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells expressing CLDN6, a protein found in various solid tumors. The ADC utilizes Axcynsis' proprietary AxcynDOT™ technology, which aims to enhance drug delivery to the tumor microenvironment while minimizing off-target effects. This approach seeks to improve the therapeutic window, potentially leading to better patient outcomes with reduced systemic toxicity.
AxcynDOT™ Technology
AxcynDOT™ is a linker-payload technology developed by Axcynsis to enable precise and controlled drug release at the tumor site. By optimizing the linker chemistry and payload, Axcynsis aims to create ADCs with enhanced stability, improved tumor penetration, and efficient drug release within cancer cells. This technology is crucial for maximizing the efficacy of AT03-65 while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Clinical Development Plans
With the FDA's IND clearance, Axcynsis is poised to initiate clinical trials to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of AT03-65 in patients with CLDN6-positive cancers. The initial trials are expected to focus on solid tumors where CLDN6 expression is prevalent, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and testicular cancer. These trials will assess the potential of AT03-65 as a monotherapy and in combination with other anti-cancer agents.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Oncology
The development of AT03-65 reflects Axcynsis' commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology. Traditional chemotherapy often results in significant side effects due to its non-selective targeting of rapidly dividing cells. ADCs like AT03-65 offer a more targeted approach, potentially improving efficacy and reducing the burden of treatment-related toxicities for patients. The clinical trials will provide critical data on the potential of AT03-65 to improve outcomes for patients with CLDN6-expressing cancers.
