ABL Bio announced on May 28 that Neok Bio has completed the first patient dosing in its Phase 1 clinical trials for the dual antibody drug conjugate (ADC) candidates ABL206 (NEOK001) and ABL209 (NEOK002) in the United States. Neok Bio is a U.S.-based biotechnology company established by ABL Bio, responsible for the global development and commercialization of these candidates.
The dual antibody ADC technology targets two antigens simultaneously, delivering a chemical payload to cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
ABL206 is a first-in-class dual antibody ADC that targets both B7-H3 and ROR1, utilizing a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. It has demonstrated improved efficacy and safety compared to single antibody ADCs in preclinical studies, and favorable tolerability was confirmed in GLP toxicity tests on non-human primates.
ABL209 targets both EGFR and MUC1 and is being developed with the same topoisomerase I inhibitor payload as ABL206. It is expected to reduce skin toxicity associated with EGFR-targeted therapies and address limitations related to MUC1.
Neok Bio aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of both candidates through this Phase 1 trial, with initial clinical data anticipated by 2027.
According to global market research firm Grand View Research, the global ADC market is projected to grow from approximately $12 billion in 2024 to over $32 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate exceeding 10%. In South Korea, the development of dual antibody ADC clinical data is just beginning.
Lee Sang-hoon, CEO of ABL Bio, stated, "While the single antibody ADC market is becoming increasingly competitive, the dual antibody ADC field is still in its early stages and holds significant growth potential. Neok Bio will leverage its identity as a U.S. company and its rapid development pace to secure competitiveness."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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