Alentis Therapeutics has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ALE.P02, which targets Claudin-1 (CLDN1). This designation is intended to accelerate the development and review of ALE.P02 for the treatment of advanced or metastatic CLDN1+ squamous cancers, regardless of the cancer's origin. The company plans to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial in Q1 2025.
Targeting CLDN1+ Squamous Cancers
Squamous cell carcinomas, which can arise in various organs, often overexpress CLDN1, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention. ALE.P02 is designed to target a unique CLDN1 epitope exposed on cancer cells. The ADC combines an antibody with a tubulin inhibitor, a potent anti-cancer drug, to selectively target and destroy CLDN1+ tumor cells, potentially reducing toxicity compared to traditional chemotherapy.
"We are encouraged by the FDA’s recognition of ALE.P02’s potential as a treatment for CLDN1+ squamous cancers," said Roberto Iacone, Chief Executive Officer of Alentis Therapeutics. "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."
Clinical Development and Rationale
The Fast Track designation is reserved for drugs that treat serious conditions and demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. Alentis' approach to developing ALE.P02 is rooted in CLDN1 science and the clinical understanding of squamous cancers.
"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," added Luigi Manenti, Chief Medical Officer of Alentis. "We are optimistic about the potential of ALE.P02 and look forward to the start of our first-in-human clinical trial in Q1 2025."
About ALE.P02
ALE.P02 represents a novel approach to cancer therapy by selectively targeting CLDN1, which is overexpressed in various squamous cancers, including lung, head and neck, cervical, and esophageal cancers. By delivering a potent tubulin inhibitor directly to cancer cells, ALE.P02 aims to improve efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. The IND application for ALE.P02 to commence a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced or metastatic CLDN1+ squamous solid tumors was recently cleared by the FDA.
