ASG-5ME is an ADC composed of a fully human antibody directed to AGS-5, a new cancer target discovered by Agnes. The antibody is attached to a potent, synthetic drug payload, mono methyl auristatin E (MMAE), via an enzyme-cleavable linker using Seattle Genetic’ s proprietary technology. The ADC is designed to be stable in the bloodstream, but to release MMAE upon internalisation into AGS-5-expressing tumor cells.
Data presented at AACR show that AGS-5 is expressed on more than 80% of samples derived from patients with prostate, pancreatic and gastric cancers. In pre clinical models, ASG-5ME induced long-term regression of established prostate, pancreatic and colon cancer xenografts. Seattle Genetics and Agnes expect to initiate Phase I clinical trials of ASG-5ME during 2010.
Ayah Jakobovits, executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Agnes, said: “ASG-5ME is one of the ADC products in Agnes pipeline that we are advancing to the clinic. We believe that our ADC products will contribute to Patella’s growing presence in oncology.
“ASG-5ME is directed to AGS-5, an Agnes proprietary target expressed in patients with prostate, pancreatic and gastric cancers, providing multiple clinical development opportunities.”
Jonathan Drachma, vice president of translational medicine at Seattle Genetics, said: “We are excited to test the potential of ASG-5ME in patients with prostate and pancreatic cancer.
“The collaboration between Agnes and Seattle Genetics allowed ASG-5ME to advance toward clinical trials, and we look forward to evaluating the tolerability and anti tumor activity of this ADC in cancer indications that are in need of new therapeutic options.”