Test of Key Linker Element in Drug Conjugate Advanced

In an acceleration of its drug development programme, Avacta Group has announced plans to submit an IND/CTA (Investigational New Drug/Clinical Trial Authorisation) application early in 2020 to test a TMAC™ linker in a phase I study in patients with selected solid tumours.

Co-invented with Tufts University Medical School, the tumour microenvironment activated drug conjugates (TMAC’s) are a form of cancer immunotherapy, that combine Avacter’s Affirmer biotherapeutics with chemotherapies in a single drug, using a linker that is designed to only release the chemotherapy in the tumour microenvironment.

Company CEO Dr Alastair Smith said: “What is so attractive about Avacta’s Affimer TMAC programme is that it offers a way to combine chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors without exposing the whole body to the same level of the chemo-toxin. Whilst immunotherapies offer great promise for cancer patients, it is well established that only a relatively small sub-group of patients see durable responses to single immune checkpoint therapies. Avacta is directly addressing this urgent clinical need with its novel Affimer TMAC and bispecific programmes.

“The function of the linker in the TMAC is critical and I am delighted that the planned phase I study will allow us to test it well ahead of our original schedule. This is an important de-risking step for the TMAC programme and could be a catalyst for spin-off licensing opportunities for a range of chemotherapies with improved tolerability. The testing of an Affimer PD-L1 inhibitor, which will form part of the first full TMAC drug and be the foundation for bispecific Affimer immunotherapies, will be the subject of an IND application later in 2020.

“It is a hugely exciting period for Avacta and I look forward to keeping the market updated on our progress.”