Cancer Research UK and KisoJi Biotechnology Inc. have entered into an agreement to advance KJ-103, a first-in-class naked anti-TROP2 antibody, into a Phase 1/2a clinical trial. The collaboration seeks to evaluate the antibody's efficacy and safety in patients with selected TROP2-expressing solid tumors.
Novel Mechanism of Action
KJ-103, developed using KisoJi's proprietary antibody technology, distinguishes itself from traditional antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Unlike ADCs that rely on cytotoxic payloads, KJ-103 functions by engaging the immune system to eliminate tumor cells. Specifically, it recruits immune cells, such as macrophages, to induce phagocytosis and kill tumor cells expressing TROP2. This unique mechanism of action may offer an alternative treatment strategy for TROP2-expressing cancers, especially in cases where ADCs have proven ineffective or are unsuitable due to their toxicity profiles.
Clinical Trial Details
Under the agreement, Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development (CDD) will sponsor, design, and conduct the Phase 1/2a clinical trial. KisoJi will be responsible for supplying the antibody and collaborating 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 will enroll patients with various TROP2-expressing solid tumors, including colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, breast, bladder, and lung cancers. These cancers represent a significant unmet medical need, as current treatment options are often limited or associated with substantial side effects.
Expert Commentary
"We are excited to collaborate with KisoJi to bring KJ-103 into clinical development," said Lars Erwig, Director of the CDD. "This partnership aligns with our mission to explore innovative therapeutic approaches for hard-to-treat cancers. 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."
