CDR-Life unveiled promising preclinical data for its novel T cell engager (TCE) programs at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago. The Swiss biotech company presented compelling evidence that its antibody-based approach may offer significant advantages over TCR-based competitors in treating solid tumors.
The presentations focused on two key candidates from CDR-Life's proprietary M-gager® platform: CDR404, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for MAGE-A4-positive solid tumors, and CDR505, a novel TCE targeting KK-LC-1-positive tumors.
CDR404 Shows Superior Performance Against MAGE-A4-Positive Tumors
In a poster titled "Durable and potent in vitro T cell activity with repeated exposure to CDR404, a potential best-in-class T cell engager targeting MAGE-A4" (Abstract #3494), researchers demonstrated several advantages of CDR404 compared to TCR-based T cell engagers:
CDR404 exhibited more potent killing of MAGE-A4-positive cancer cell lines across multiple indications, even in challenging "cold" tumor environments with low effector-to-target cell ratios. After multiple rounds of serial killing, T cells exposed to CDR404 maintained significantly better fitness, with lower levels of crucial T cell exhaustion markers compared to TCR-based approaches.
The molecule also demonstrated a more favorable cytokine release profile, potentially offering safety advantages in clinical settings. Importantly, CDR404 showed strong activity against MAGE-A4-positive tumor cells from different cancer types, including lung adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanomas.
"The data presented at AACR highlight the potential advantages of our antibody-based approach to T cell engagement against highly tumor-specific targets," said Christian Leisner, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of CDR-Life. "CDR404 demonstrated superior potency and durability in preclinical models, which align with the encouraging early signals we're seeing in our ongoing Phase 1 trial."
These preclinical findings align with early emerging data from the ongoing Phase 1 trial of CDR404 (NCT06402201), where the candidate has shown clear signals of immunological activity and preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity, even at the pharmacokinetic model-derived starting dose. This innovative dosing approach may potentially shorten the overall trial duration by enabling a starting dose closer to the efficacious range while maintaining patient safety.
Dose escalation is ongoing, and patient data from the early stages of the Phase 1 trial will be reported later this year.
CDR505: Breaking New Ground in KK-LC-1-Positive Tumors
In a second poster, "A novel T cell engager antibody for the treatment of HLA-A01/KK-LC-1-positive tumors" (Abstract #3493), CDR-Life presented data on CDR505, a novel antibody-based TCE targeting the Kita-Kyushu lung cancer antigen-1 (KK-LC-1) presented on HLA-A01:01.
Key findings for CDR505 included potent and selective killing of KK-LC-1-positive cancer cells, preferential activation of CD8+ T cells (confirming the intended mechanism of action), and high specificity for the KK-LC-1 peptide/HLA-A*01:01 complex with low risk for off-target binding. The molecule also demonstrated excellent manufacturability, solubility, and stability characteristics, supporting its feasibility for subcutaneous formulation.
"With CDR505, we're breaking new ground in targeting previously inaccessible cancer antigens through our innovative M-gager® platform," added Dr. Leisner. "This first-in-class molecule demonstrates how we're tackling difficult targets with precision, particularly in tumor types where traditional approaches have shown limited success."
Addressing Significant Patient Populations
Both TCE candidates have the potential to address substantial patient populations with high unmet medical needs:
CDR404 targets MAGE-A4-positive tumors in HLA-A02:01-positive patients. MAGE-A4 is expressed in up to 63% of ovarian cancers, 62% of head and neck cancers, and 52% of squamous lung cancers.
CDR505 is the only TCE in development targeting KK-LC-1-positive tumors in HLA-A*01:01-positive patients. KK-LC-1 is expressed in 75% of colorectal and gastric carcinoma cancers and 60% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancers.
The widespread expression of KK-LC-1 across gastrointestinal cancers positions CDR505 to potentially address some of medicine's most challenging malignancies with a novel immunotherapeutic approach.
CDR-Life's Platform Approach
CDR-Life's M-gager® platform delivers TCEs against challenging intracellular and surface antigens through what the company describes as "unparalleled target-specificity." With its first oncology program now in clinical trials, the company is advancing a pipeline of potent and selective TCE therapeutics.
The company's partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim on a molecule derived from its M-gager® platform, which is progressing to Phase 2 trials, further demonstrates the potential of CDR-Life's antibody-derived molecules.
Backed by leading cross-Atlantic investors, CDR-Life is committed to bringing life-changing, disease-modifying medicines to patients globally. The company's innovative approach to T cell engagement could potentially offer new treatment options for patients with solid tumors who currently have limited therapeutic alternatives.
