Antengene Collaborates with MSD to Explore Potent Cancer Treatment with ATG-022 and KEYTRUDA
Antengene Partners with MSD for Innovative Cancer Treatment
Antengene Corporation Limited, a leading biopharmaceutical firm based in Hong Kong, has announced a significant collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) aimed at advancing treatment options for patients suffering from advanced solid tumors. This partnership focuses on evaluating the efficacy of ATG-022, an innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CLDN18.2, alongside KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), MSD's well-known anti-PD-1 therapy.
Clinical Collaboration Overview
The collaboration was officially announced on May 20, 2025, and is set to encompass global clinical trials that will assess the combination of ATG-022 and KEYTRUDA in patients who have advanced stages of solid tumors. This is particularly critical for those expressing the CLDN18.2 biomarker, which is prevalent in various cancers including gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Promising Clinical Data
During the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, Antengene showcased encouraging data from its Phase I/II CLINCH trial. The results revealed an impressive Objective Response Rate (ORR) of 42.9% and a Disease Control Rate (DCR) of 95.2% in patients exhibiting moderate to high levels of CLDN18.2 expression. Even in patients with lower expression levels, the study reported an ORR of 30.0% and a DCR of 50.0%. Notably, the safety profile of ATG-022 was encouraging as there were no reported instances of serious toxicities, such as ophthalmological or neurological effects.
Unique Position of ATG-022
ATG-022 is strategically positioned in the biopharmaceutical landscape, with evidence supporting its efficacy across various levels of CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer. This versatility gives it a competitive edge over other similar therapies, theoretically broadening its applicability across a more extensive patient demographic. What's more, the FDA has granted Orphan Drug Designation to ATG-022 for both pancreatic and gastric cancers, further cementing its potential impact in oncology.
In essence, ATG-022 represents a promising avenue for patients who have limited treatment options, especially those with different CLDN18.2 expression profiles, which can be pivotal in personalizing cancer treatment.
About Antengene
Antengene Corporation, trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker SEHK: 6996.HK, is at the forefront of global biopharmaceutical innovation. The company is committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing pioneering therapeutics targeting various cancers. Antengene's robust pipeline comprises nine oncology assets at varying developmental stages, including first-in-class and best-in-class therapies, of which six possess global rights.
The firm has already obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals across the U.S. and Asian markets, establishing a formidable presence in the oncology landscape. Among its notable achievements is the NDA approval for XPOVIO® (selinexor) across several Asia Pacific territories.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Antengene and MSD marks an important step towards enhancing treatment options for patients suffering from advanced cancers. By leveraging ATG-022 and its combination with KEYTRUDA, both companies are focusing on addressing unmet medical needs, potentially transforming the therapeutic landscape for many cancer patients worldwide. As clinical trials progress, the oncology community eagerly awaits the outcomes that could reshape future treatment protocols for solid tumors.