On May 26, 2022 CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTMX), a leader in the field of conditionally activated oncology therapeutics, reported that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 dose-escalation study of CX-904 (NCT05387265). CX-904 is a conditionally activated T-cell-engaging bispecific (TCB) designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells and the CD3 receptor on T cells within the tumor microenvironment (Press release, CytomX Therapeutics, MAY 26, 2022, View Source [SID1234615076]).
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"The successful initiation of this first-in-human study represents another major milestone for CytomX, as it marks the third therapeutic modality to enter the clinic from our versatile Probody platform," said Amy C. Peterson, M.D., president and chief operating officer at CytomX Therapeutics. "Our conditionally activated TCB platform is designed to localize both target binding and T-cell activation selectively to the tumor microenvironment, minimizing extra-tumoral activation of T cells and potentially widening the therapeutic window for solid tumor-directed TCBs. This study underscores our commitment to destroying cancer differently and bolsters our leadership in the field of conditional activation in oncology."
Utilizing CytomX’s proprietary masking technology to reduce systemic target engagement, conditionally activated TCBs are constructed to direct the activity of CD3-positive, cytotoxic T cells to cancer cells expressing the target of interest, with the goal of improving the therapeutic window of these highly potent agents for the treatment of solid tumors. CytomX has shown in preclinical models that dual-masked, conditionally activated TCBs targeting EGFR and CD3 have the potential for an improved therapeutic window compared to conventional, unmasked TCBs.
"We look forward to exploring CX-904 in solid tumors," said Meredith Pelster, M.D., MSCI, a study investigator at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology. "Given that EGFR is widely expressed in a number of solid tumors, the opportunity for this therapeutic candidate to address an unmet need in multiple tumor types is noteworthy."