On December 4, 2024 Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:APVO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immune-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary ADAPTIR and ADAPTIR-FLEX platform technologies, reported additional details about the Company’s preclinical bispecific antibody, APVO442, differentiated to target prostate cancer with enhanced precision and minimized safety risk (Press release, Aptevo Therapeutics, DEC 4, 2024, View Source [SID1234648803]). APVO442 is the first molecule developed using Aptevo’s cutting-edge ADAPTIR-FLEX platform, which is driving innovation in antibody engineering for complex disease management.
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While early diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved prostate cancer survival rates, it remains challenging to treat effectively in late-stage, advanced forms like castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and according to the American Cancer Society approximately 300,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States annually. The therapeutic treatment market is approximately $14 billion and is expected to grow to more than $24 billion over the next ten years.
APVO442 is engineered to address treatment challenges associated with later stage diagnosis with its unique design that enables precise tumor targeting while activating the immune system in a controlled manner. The molecule binds to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) on prostate cancer cells where it activates T cells within the tumor and enhances targeted tumor cell killing. This is notable because the approach reduces the risk of harm to healthy cells. Preclinical studies have shown that the molecule readily localizes to solid tumors by avoiding unwanted binding to immune cells circulating in the bloodstream. This approach helps the treatment focus on fighting the tumor itself while reducing the risk of widespread side effects, making it both safer and more effective.
"We are excited about APVO442, our PSMA x CD3 bispecific, designed using our ADAPTIR-FLEX platform. By designing a therapeutic that binds to two different antigens present on prostate cancer and immune cells, the treatment becomes more selective, reducing the likelihood of affecting healthy cells and increasing its anti-cancer potential. The engagement of CD3 amplifies the immune response, making it an ideal candidate for combination therapy and even greater efficacy. We anticipate that the safety and efficacy advantages of APVO442 will be confirmed in the clinic, following the positive overall performance of our other CD3-targeting clinical candidate, mipletamig," said Marvin White, President and CEO of Aptevo. "The global prostate cancer market, currently valued at $14 billion, is projected to grow to $24 billion over the next decade. While survival rates have improved significantly for patients diagnosed early, there remains a substantial unmet need among those with advanced-stage disease. APVO442 has the potential to address this critical gap and play a transformative role in the growing market, much like our lead drug, mipletamig, which has the potential to become an important player in the $6.3 billion AML market."