Cancer Research UK and KisoJi Biotechnology Inc. have entered into an agreement to initiate a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for KJ-103, a novel naked anti-TROP2 antibody developed by KisoJi. The collaboration aims to explore a new therapeutic approach for TROP2-expressing solid tumors, potentially offering an alternative to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Clinical Trial Details
Under the agreement, Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development (CDD) will sponsor and manage the clinical trial, focusing on selected solid tumors that express TROP2. KisoJi will supply KJ-103 and collaborate with CDD to finalize the preclinical data package. Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research UK's innovation arm, will oversee the commercial aspects of the partnership. The trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of KJ-103 in a first-in-human study.
Novel Mechanism of Action
KJ-103 distinguishes itself from TROP2 ADCs through its mechanism of action. Unlike ADCs, KJ-103 does not rely on a cytotoxic payload. Instead, it functions by engaging immune cells to target and eliminate tumor cells. Specifically, KJ-103 binds to TROP2 at a unique location, distinct from the binding sites of current TROP2 ADCs. This binding facilitates the activation of macrophages and promotes phagocytosis of tumor cells expressing TROP2, ultimately leading to tumor cell death.
Potential Clinical Impact
KJ-103 holds promise as a treatment option for TROP2-expressing cancers, particularly in cases where TROP2 ADCs have shown limited efficacy or are unsuitable due to their toxicity profiles. TROP2 is expressed in various cancer types, including colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, breast, bladder, and lung cancers. The development of KJ-103 could address unmet medical needs in these patient populations.
Executive Perspectives
"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."
David Young, co-founder and CEO of KisoJi, added, "We are thrilled to be advancing KJ-103 into the clinic in partnership with Cancer Research UK. 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."
