Avenzo and DualityBio Collaborate on EGFR/HER3 Cancer Treatment License
Avenzo and DualityBio Join Forces on a Revolutionary Cancer Treatment
In a strategic move aimed at advancing cancer treatment, Avenzo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech firm, has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Duality Biotherapeutics. This partnership focuses on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of AVZO-1418/DB-1418, a promising bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target the EGFR and HER3 proteins, which are often overexpressed in a variety of solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancers.
Licensing Agreement Details
The licensing agreement grants Avenzo the rights to develop this innovative therapy globally, excluding Greater China. In this partnership, DualityBio will receive an upfront payment of $50 million, and they stand to earn up to approximately $1.15 billion in potential milestone payments linked to the drug's development, regulatory approval, and commercialization. Furthermore, DualityBio will also benefit from tiered royalties on sales within Avenzo's marketing territory. This agreement not only solidifies their commitment to developing next-generation oncology therapies but also paves the way for potentially groundbreaking treatments in an area of high unmet need.
Clinical Potential of AVZO-1418/DB-1418
Avenzo's CEO, Dr. Athena Countouriotis, expressed enthusiasm about adding AVZO-1418/DB-1418 to their clinical pipeline, noting its design targeting both EGFR and HER3 could yield significant clinical benefits across multiple solid tumors. The bi-specific nature of this therapy sets it apart from other conventional treatments, enhancing its potential effectiveness. Avenzo anticipates launching a first-in-human clinical study later this year, which will mark a crucial step in validating the drug's therapeutic promises.
In preclinical assessments, AVZO-1418/DB-1418 showed not only higher binding affinity to tumor cells but also significant efficacy in solid tumors characterized by EGFR resistance, low EGFR expression, or HER3 resistance. This evidence highlights an exciting direction for cancer treatment, especially for those patients whose cancers have become resistant to existing therapies.
Insights from DualityBio
Dr. John Zhu, CEO of DualityBio, emphasized their shared mission with Avenzo to develop innovative therapies for cancer and underserved therapeutic areas. He pointed out that the encouraging results from preclinical studies of AVZO-1418/DB-1418 might offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes over existing cancer treatments, which is a significant prospect for both patients and healthcare providers.
About Avenzo Therapeutics
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Avenzo Therapeutics is at the forefront of clinical-stage biotech, focusing on developing cutting-edge oncological solutions. Their lead candidate, AVZO-021, is a highly selective inhibitor targeting CDK2, involved in critical cell cycle processes. This drug is currently undergoing Phase 1 trials in the U.S., aimed at treating advanced solid tumors and in combination therapies for HR+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancers.
About Duality Biotherapeutics
Duality Biotherapeutics specializes in the discovery and advancement of next-generation ADCs, focusing on both cancer and autoimmune disease treatments. With multiple cutting-edge ADC technology platforms, DualityBio has established a robust pipeline conducting clinical trials in many countries, engaging over 1,500 patients across various ADC candidates. Their commitment to innovation is exemplified in their development of