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Adcendo ApS Partners with MSD for Phase Ib Study

In an exciting advancement in cancer treatment, Adcendo ApS, a biotechnology firm dedicated to innovating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced a collaboration with pharmaceutical giant MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) to assess the efficacy of ADCE-T02. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Adcendo's mission to address unmet medical needs in oncology by developing pioneering therapies.

The Collaboration Explained

Under this new agreement, Adcendo will lead a Phase Ib clinical trial that examines the effectiveness of ADCE-T02 in conjunction with MSD's widely recognized KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab). This combination seeks to leverage the potential of both therapies, optimizing patient outcomes in advanced solid tumors known for high levels of Tissue Factor (TF) expression, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and cervical cancer.

Dr. Lone Ottesen, Adcendo's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the potential benefits of this therapy combination: "By merging our innovative tissue factor-targeting ADC with pembrolizumab, we aspire to enhance clinical efficacy in treating cancers where Tissue Factor is prevalent. This dual approach might pave the way for improved treatment protocols."

What is ADCE-T02?

ADCE-T02 is designed as a topoisomerase-1 (Topo-1) inhibitor targeting the cellular structures responsible for cancer cell proliferation. By specifically targeting Tissue Factor, ADCE-T02 aims to provide a direct hit to the cancer cells while minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells, a common issue in traditional chemotherapy.

This therapy is not only new but is currently undergoing evaluation as a monotherapy in the Tiffany-01 Phase I clinical trial (NCT06597721), focusing on patients with advanced solid tumors.

The Phase Ib Study

The Phase Ib study will commence in the latter half of 2026, with the first patient anticipated to be dosed soon thereafter. During this trial, various escalating doses of ADCE-T02 will be tested alongside standard doses of KEYTRUDA. The trial aims to rigorously evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of this innovative combination, marking an important step forward in advancing cancer treatment strategies.

Both Adcendo and MSD retain commercial rights to their respective products, allowing each company to explore additional therapies involving their compounds.

Commitment to Innovation and Patient Care

Adcendo ApS, established in Copenhagen with a strategic footprint in Boston, is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge cancer therapies. Guided by a proficient team with substantial experience in biopharmaceutical advancements, Adcendo focuses on bringing ADCs to fruition that can effectively tackle cancers with significant unmet medical needs.

In addition to ADCE-T02, Adcendo is progressing with two other ADCs: ADCE-D01, which targets uPARAP significantly expressed in specific cancers such as soft tissue sarcoma, and ADCE-B05, details of which remain confidential but are in clinical assessment for squamous cell solid tumors.

As this clinical trial kicks off, the medical community and cancer patients alike eagerly await further developments, hopeful for advancements that might lead to breakthroughs in cancer therapy. With collaborations like the one between Adcendo and MSD, the future of cancer treatment appears to hold even more promise for those battling this formidable disease.

For more updates and information about Adcendo's innovative pipeline, visit their official website at Adcendo.