BARCELONA - Avacta Therapeutics (AIM: AVCT (LON:AVCT)), a developer of cancer therapeutics, presented preclinical data from two of its pipeline assets at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics today. The company shared findings on AVA6103 and AVA7100, which are part of its pre|CISION® platform, designed to deliver anti-tumor drugs directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME) while minimizing systemic toxicity.
The preclinical data for AVA6103 showed that the pre|CISION-enabled peptide drug conjugate (PDC), which links the peptide to exatecan, a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor, could significantly increase the therapeutic index compared to conventional exatecan. The findings indicated a 75-fold increase in the maximum tolerated dose and demonstrated the potential for improved safety profiles in clinical settings. The pre|CISION technology allows the release of the active drug specifically in the TME, which is facilitated by the Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) found in cancer-associated fibroblasts.
Additionally, AVA6103 was shown to optimize the bystander effect, meaning the released exatecan can target not only FAP-positive but also FAP-negative cancer cells, potentially enhancing the treatment's effectiveness. The data also showed high concentrations of the active drug within the tumor compared to plasma levels, leading to tumor growth inhibition and increased survival rates in preclinical models.
AVA7100, representing a new class of pre|CISION®-enabled Affimer® drug conjugates, was reported to effectively deliver toxic warheads to the TME, leveraging the pre|CISION release mechanism. The Affimer platform, which allows for smaller antigen-binding regions, may enhance tumor penetration and can be rapidly engineered for various cancer types. The preclinical findings suggest that AffDCs can effectively kill both antigen-positive and antigen-negative tumor cells through the bystander effect.
Both AVA6103 and AVA7100 are expected to enter IND-enabling studies in late 2024 and the second half of 2025, respectively. Christina Coughlin, MD PhD, CEO of Avacta, expressed optimism about the preclinical data and the potential impact of these therapies for patients with high unmet needs.
These advancements highlight Avacta's commitment to developing targeted cancer therapies with the potential for high efficacy and low systemic toxicity. The company's focus on improving the therapeutic index of potent anti-tumor agents may represent a significant step forward in oncology treatment. The information presented in this article is based on a press release statement from Avacta Therapeutics.
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