Cancer Research UK and KisoJi Biotechnology Inc. have entered into an agreement to initiate a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for KJ-103, a first-in-class naked anti-TROP2 antibody. The collaboration aims to explore a novel therapeutic approach for TROP2-expressing solid tumors, potentially offering an alternative to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Under the agreement, Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development (CDD) will sponsor and manage the clinical trial, while KisoJi Biotechnology will supply KJ-103 and collaborate on completing the preclinical data package. Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research UK's innovation arm, will oversee the commercial aspects of the partnership.
Unique Mechanism of Action
KJ-103 differentiates itself from conventional TROP2 ADCs through its mechanism of action. Unlike ADCs, which rely on a cytotoxic payload to kill cancer cells, KJ-103 recruits immune cells, specifically macrophages, to target and eliminate tumor cells. This approach may reduce the toxicity associated with ADCs, potentially broadening the therapeutic window for patients.
"We are excited to collaborate with KisoJi to bring KJ-103 into clinical development," said Lars Erwig, Director of the CDD. "With KJ-103's unique mechanism of action, which harnesses the body's immune system without the potential toxicity of a drug conjugate, we hope to offer new treatment options for patients with TROP2-expressing solid tumours."
Targeting TROP2-Expressing Cancers
TROP2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in various solid tumors, including colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, breast, bladder, and lung cancers. KJ-103 binds to a unique epitope on TROP2, activating macrophages and promoting phagocytosis of tumor cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity with no observed toxicity or resistance across multiple solid tumor models.
KisoJi's AI-Driven Antibody Discovery
KisoJi Biotechnology utilizes advanced AI tools to discover and develop therapeutic antibodies. Their technology platform enables the generation of highly diverse single-domain antibodies and modular multi-specific antibody scaffolds. KJ-103 represents the first of a new wave of antibodies derived from KisoJi's modernized technology platform.
"We are thrilled to be advancing KJ-103 into the clinic in partnership with Cancer Research UK," said David Young, co-founder and CEO of KisoJi. "As the first naked antibody to target TROP2 cancers, KJ-103 is the first of a new wave of antibodies to come from our modernised technology platform that leverages AI grounded in biology to create transformative antibody therapeutics."
