AbbVie announced it will present new data from its early oncology research pipeline at the upcoming American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, taking place April 25-30, 2025, in Chicago. The presentations will feature two novel investigational compounds targeting difficult-to-treat cancers, alongside real-world data analyses focused on treatment resistance and biomarker discovery.
The pharmaceutical company will highlight ABBV-969, a novel dual-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), in an oral presentation. This investigational therapy targets both STEAP1 and PSMA antigens, which are frequently overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and associated with tumor growth and survival.
"As we seek to advance innovative therapies for people living with difficult-to-treat cancers, our early-stage oncology research helps lay the scientific foundation for future innovation that may address profound unmet needs that many patients experience," said Theodora S. Ross, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of early oncology research and development at AbbVie.
Novel Dual-Targeting Approach for Prostate Cancer
ABBV-969 represents a potentially significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment. The investigational therapy employs a dual variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) format with a proprietary topoisomerase-1 (Top1) inhibitor payload. This design allows it to target tumor cells expressing either STEAP1, PSMA, or both antigens.
The compound is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT06318273) for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease with limited treatment options. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, with approximately 34,700 deaths expected in 2025, according to American Cancer Society estimates.
Targeting Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment
Data from AbbVie's immuno-oncology platform will showcase ABBV-514, a novel CCR8-targeting antibody designed to enhance anti-tumor immunity. CCR8 has emerged as a promising target due to its enhanced expression on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs), which can suppress immune responses against cancer.
Preclinical data demonstrate that ABBV-514 depletes CCR8+ Tregs within the tumor microenvironment and exhibits strong monotherapy activity across various tumor models, including those resistant to anti-PD-1 treatment. The compound is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and other solid tumors, both as a monotherapy and in combination with budigalimab, AbbVie's PD-1-blocking antibody.
Advancing Precision Medicine Through Real-World Data
Beyond its investigational therapies, AbbVie will present several analyses based on real-world data that could inform future treatment approaches:
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A study characterizing folate receptor alpha (FRα) expression patterns in ovarian cancer in relation to other biomarkers, potentially supporting the development of novel precision medicines. FRα is expressed in approximately 90 percent of ovarian cancers and represents an important therapeutic target.
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Research employing multi-omics approaches to identify clinical features and molecular mechanisms associated with long-term response and acquired resistance to immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.
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A novel approach for investigating relationships between germline variants, cancer patient prognosis, and treatment responses using electronic health record-linked genomics data across multiple solid tumor types.
Expanding Oncology Portfolio
These presentations reflect AbbVie's growing commitment to oncology research. The company is currently evaluating more than 20 investigational medicines across multiple clinical trials targeting some of the most prevalent and challenging cancers.
"By harnessing the latest scientific breakthroughs in translational research, we are advancing novel therapeutic approaches such as ABBV-969 and ABBV-514, aiming to improve cancer care for patients worldwide," Dr. Ross added.
Both ABBV-969 and ABBV-514 remain investigational medicines not yet approved by any regulatory authority. Their safety and efficacy are under evaluation as part of ongoing clinical studies, with results eagerly anticipated by the oncology community.
The AACR Annual Meeting represents one of the world's premier gatherings for cancer researchers, where groundbreaking discoveries and therapeutic advances are regularly unveiled. AbbVie's presentations will contribute to the scientific dialogue around novel approaches to treating cancer, particularly for patients with limited therapeutic options.
