ALT-B4-Based ADC Subcutaneous Injection: Improved Absorption and Reduced Side Effects
ALT-B4, a novel subcutaneous injection platform, has shown promising results in preclinical studies, offering a potential solution for effective ADC therapy. Altheogen (196170) has confirmed the potential of its proprietary Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology, demonstrating similar bioavailability to intravenous injection and reduced side effects in animal trials. This research aims to enhance treatment convenience while minimizing skin damage at the injection site and systemic toxicity.
The company unveiled its findings at the 'ESMO Congress 2026,' the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, held in Madrid, Spain. The results, presented as a poster, showcased the potential of ALT-B4 in ADC subcutaneous injection, a highly anticipated development in the high-growth next-generation cancer therapy market.
ADCs are a powerful class of cancer therapeutics, combining antibodies that target cancer cells with potent anti-cancer drugs. While highly effective, the challenge lies in managing the side effects associated with the toxic nature of these drugs. Altheogen's focus on subcutaneous injection aims to address this, as it has the potential to mitigate the rapid spike in blood drug levels seen with intravenous injection, while maintaining bioavailability.
This late-stage research presents an opportunity for commercialization, offering a more convenient and potentially less harmful administration method for ADC therapy. With the potential to reduce margin call liquidations and improve patient outcomes, this development could significantly impact the ADC market.
ALT-B4: Enhancing Drug Delivery and Reducing Systemic Side Effects
"The application of our recombinant human hyaluronidase, ALT-B4, in conjunction with our proprietary HER2-targeting ADC, ALT-P7, has shown promising results in enhancing drug absorption and reducing potential side effects," said a spokesperson for Alteogen.
In this study, ALT-B4 was administered subcutaneously alongside ALT-P7, and its impact on drug uptake, tolerability, and safety was evaluated. According to the company, ALT-B4 facilitated the absorption of the ADC, resulting in similar bioavailability to that of intravenous injection. When ALT-B4 was co-administered, the drug was evenly distributed in the subcutaneous tissue, leading to a reduction in skin damage at the injection site.
Notably, the potential for lowering systemic adverse effects was observed. While the intravenous group experienced neutropenia and liver toxicity, these side effects were mitigated in the group that received ALT-B4 and ALT-P7 subcutaneously. Furthermore, the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood (Cmax) was lower in the subcutaneous injection group compared to the intravenous group. Alteogen suggests that this outcome indicates a potential for reducing toxicity by mitigating the rapid increase in blood concentration.
Alteogen plans to share these research findings with global oncology experts, particularly in Europe, during this conference. The company aims to continue discussions on the development of a subcutaneous formulation for ADC, building on the promising results of this study.
Altheogen's ALT-B4: Enhancing Drug Delivery and Safety
"This research is significant as it showcases the potential to enhance both convenience and safety in drug administration," said Jun Tae-yeon, CEO of Altheogen, referring to the ongoing clinical development of a subcutaneous injection formulation of ADC by their partner utilizing ALT-B4. He further emphasized their commitment to highlighting the advantages and development potential of ALT-B4 in the ADC field through global academic conferences.
ALT-B4, a recombinant human hyaluronidase, plays a pivotal role in transforming intravenous biopharmaceuticals into subcutaneous injections. Altheogen has secured a license agreement with Daiichi Sankyo for the development of a subcutaneous injection formulation of ADC therapy, scheduled for 2024.
