ABL Bio Enters into Collaboration with MSD to Trial ABL103 with KEYTRUDA® for Solid Tumours
Friday, October 04, 2024
ABL Bio has announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD.
ABL103 is a bispecific antibody that targets both B7-H4 and 4-1BB. It is developed using ABL Bio’s 4-1BB-based bispecific antibody platform, ‘Grabody-T’.
This platform is designed to activate T cells specifically within the tumour microenvironment, reducing the liver toxicity often associated with conventional 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies, while enhancing antitumor activity.
The collaboration aims to evaluate ABL103 in combination with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumours.
As part of the agreement, ABL Bio will conduct a phase 1b/2 clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the ABL103 and KEYTRUDA combination. MSD will supply KEYTRUDA for this study.
The mechanism of ABL103 involves activating the 4-1BB signalling pathway in tumour microenvironments where B7-H4 antigens are present. This enables T cells to selectively attack tumour cells, leaving normal cells unaffected. Currently, the dose escalation phase of the ABL103 phase 1 clinical trial is underway in South Korea.
ABL Bio’s pipeline includes over 15 clinical projects across various countries, including the US, China, Australia, and South Korea. These projects involve multiple assets such as ABL001, ABL111, ABL503, ABL105, ABL202, ABL301, and ABL103, targeting a range of indications. ABL001 has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. FDA, supporting its accelerated development.
The company is also preparing to launch clinical trials for ABL104 and is actively researching other bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Source: ablbio.com
