AbClon announced on August 28 that it has secured a Japanese patent for the core technology behind its next-generation dual-antibody immunotherapy candidate, AM105.
The patent covers AM105’s innovative approach, which simultaneously targets EGFR on cancer cell surfaces and 4-1BB, a key player in immune cell activation. This Japanese patent, following a similar registration in South Korea, strengthens AbClon’s exclusive rights in major biotech markets.
AbClon is currently pursuing patent applications in other key markets, including the U.S., Europe, China, India, Russia, and Brazil.
AM105’s mechanism involves first binding to EGFR, which is prevalent on cancer cells, to localize the drug at tumor sites. It then activates 4-1BB signaling in immune cells. This targeted approach aims to trigger immune responses specifically around tumors, potentially reducing side effects associated with systemic immune activation.
4-1BB, an immune receptor that boosts T cells’ anti-cancer capabilities, has become a hot target in the biotech industry. There’s growing interest in developing dual antibodies that simultaneously target cancer-specific markers and 4-1BB. AbClon plans to capitalize on this trend by enhancing AM105’s technical and commercial value while pursuing global licensing deals.
An AbClon spokesperson highlighted the significance of the Japanese patent, stating that this registration expands the global rights for the dual-antibody platform and AM105. As the field of 4-1BB dual antibodies gains momentum, it’s seeing increased commercial potential for AM105, which targets both EGFR and 4-1BB.
The spokesperson added that its primate toxicity studies are progressing well. Once it secures the toxicity data, it’ll focus on early out-licensing opportunities.
AbClon, founded in 2010 by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lee Dong-Seo and Professor Matthias Uhlen from Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology, specializes in antibody drug development. The company leverages its proprietary antibody discovery platform, NEST, and dual-antibody platform, AffiMab, to drive drug development and technology transfers.
In 2015, AbClon expanded into cell therapy through a collaboration with Seoul National University on CAR-T therapies. The following year, it established a global presence by licensing Chinese rights for a gastric cancer antibody candidate to Henlius. Since its KOSDAQ listing in 2017, AbClon has ramped up its CAR-T and dual-antibody programs, with a current focus on next-generation cancer treatments like the blood cancer CAR-T therapy AT101 and the dual-antibody candidate AM105.
