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Adcendo ApS and MSD Collaborate for Advanced Cancer Treatment

Adcendo ApS, a biotechnology firm based in Copenhagen, has recently announced a promising collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) to initiate a Phase Ib clinical trial. This innovative trial will evaluate the combination of Adcendo's leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ADCE-T02, with MSD's renowned anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients diagnosed with advanced solid tumors.

Focus on Advanced Cancers

The primary aim of this partnership is to introduce a treatment methodology that leverages the unique strengths of both ADCE-T02 and KEYTRUDA. Dr. Lone Ottesen, Adcendo's Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, emphasizing that the combination of a tissue factor-targeting ADC with an anti-PD-1 therapy holds significant potential for enhancing anti-tumor efficacy. This may be particularly beneficial for cancers where tissue factor is overexpressed, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and cervical cancer.

Clinical Study Details

According to the agreement, Adcendo will sponsor the Phase Ib clinical trial while MSD will supply the KEYTRUDA needed for the treatment. Each company retains full commercial rights over its respective product. Adcendo anticipates that the first patient will be dosed in the second half of 2026.

The study will meticulously assess the safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy of escalating doses of ADCE-T02 when combined with the standard dose of KEYTRUDA. Notably, ADCE-T02 is also undergoing evaluation as a standalone treatment in another clinical trial focused on advanced solid tumors, specifically the Tiffany-01 study.

About Adcendo ApS

Adcendo is on the cutting edge of cancer treatment, developing first- and best-in-class ADCs designed to target cancers that currently lack effective therapies. With a strong pipeline that includes several ADCs, the company aims to address major unmet needs in oncology.

Their lead candidate, ADCE-T02, specifically targets Tissue Factor, which is widely overexpressed in various solid tumors. Additionally, Adcendo is advancing two other ADCs: ADCE-D01, targeting uPARAP, and the undisclosed target of ADCE-B05, with ongoing evaluations in squamous cell solid tumors.

This collaboration with MSD represents a critical step in Adcendo's mission to pioneer innovative cancer therapies that can lead to improved outcomes for patients facing the challenges of advanced solid tumors. The integration of novel technologies and strategic partnerships like this one ensures that Adcendo remains at the forefront of biopharma innovation.

Visit Adcendo's website for more information about their research, development, and partnerships.