Nona Biosciences and Pfizer Collaborate on MesoC2 Cancer Treatment
In a significant advancement in cancer treatment, Nona Biosciences, a leading biotechnology company, has partnered with Pfizer to develop an innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) known as MesoC2. This collaboration aims to target mesothelin (MSLN), a tumor-associated antigen that plays a crucial role in various solid tumors.
At the upcoming 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Pfizer will present details of the Phase 1 clinical study design for MesoC2, designed to assess its safety and tolerability in patients diagnosed with advanced cancers such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer. The study, represented under the abstract number TPS3163, promises to shed light on the drug's potential efficacy and safety in a real-world setting.
Development of MesoC2
MesoC2 is unique as it leverages Nona’s proprietary Harbour Mice® technology to create fully human monoclonal antibodies. The clinical trial will recruit up to 365 patients in an open-label format, allowing for an extensive evaluation of MesoC2's pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy based on the RECIST v1.1 criteria. This trial will operate in multiple phases involving dose escalation, optimization, and expansion cohorts to comprehensively analyze the drug's potential.
Highlights from the Presentation
1.
Drug Composition: MesoC2 is an ADC that combines a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting MSLN with a cleavable tripeptide linker. This linker carries a payload of topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOP1i), boasting an average drug-to-antibody ratio of 8, which indicates high potency.
2.
Preclinical Success: The ADC has demonstrated robust antitumor efficacy in in vitro assays and xenograft models, showing promise for strong outcomes in patients. Early results from cynomolgus monkeys also suggest that MesoC2 has an acceptable safety profile, bolstering its potential for clinical use.
3.
Trial Objectives: The main goals of the Phase 1 clinical trial will assess the safety and tolerability of the drug, providing essential data that can lead to further development and potential future approvals.
Company Insights
Dr. Jingsong Wang, Chairman of Nona Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm over this collaboration, believing it highlights the impressive capabilities of Nona's Harbour Mice® platform. He emphasized that advancing MesoC2 into clinical development is a monumental step in their mission to meet urgent needs in oncology.
Nona Biosciences, known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, provides integrated solutions from concept (Idea) to the investigational new drug (IND) stage. The company specializes in new therapeutic discoveries, along with antibody and ADC development, leveraging advanced technologies and research methodologies.
The partnership with Pfizer, a global leader in pharmaceuticals, underscores Nona's strength in innovative drug development and aims to revolutionize cancer therapies across multiple tumor types. With the official presentation scheduled for June 2, 2025, at ASCO, stakeholders eagerly anticipate further insights into the groundbreaking research and its implications for cancer medicine.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Nona Biosciences and Pfizer is a promising step towards innovative cancer therapies targeting MSLN through MesoC2. As the clinical trial progresses, the healthcare community remains hopeful for breakthroughs that may ultimately translate into improved outcomes for patients battling advanced solid tumors. For those interested in following the study’s development, further details will be available on ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT06466187.
For more information about the innovative solutions from Nona Biosciences, visit
www.nonabio.com.