TRC093 is a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis and tumor cell growth by binding cleaved collagen, a component of the extracellular matrix of tumors that serves as the scaffold for new blood vessel and tumor growth.
The companies say TRC093 has shown activity, as monotherapy or when combined with chemotherapy, in preclinical studies of melanoma, breast and pancreatic cancer.
It is currently being developed by Tracon in oncology and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), following execution of a license agreement with Micromet. in March 2007, granting Tracon worldwide rights to develop and commercialize D93 (now TRC093). TRC093 (D93) was generated and developed by Micromet up to the filing and acceptance of the IND.
“Moving a humanized antibody into the clinic, that has the potential to treat multiple solid tumors in combination with chemotherapy and targeted agents, is a major milestone for Tracon in what will be a busy year for the company. We anticipate dosing two additional first-in-class cancer treatments later this year,” commented Charles Theuer, president and CEO of Tracon Pharmaceuticals.
The phase I trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics, as well as preliminary anti-tumor activity, of TRC093 in patients with advanced cancer.