Akari Therapeutics has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research on PH1, a novel spliceosome modulator payload used in its antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which may offer a new approach to treating cancers driven by oncogenic mutations.
PH1 modulates RNA splicing to induce cancer cell death and activate the immune system. It generates neoantigens through mis-spliced proteins, prompting an immune response against tumours throughout the body.
The payload is designed to be released only within targeted cancer cells, reducing off-target toxicity. It also resists standard efflux transporters, helping to overcome common resistance mechanisms in cancer treatment.
Akari’s ADC pipeline includes candidates targeting Trop2 and an undisclosed antigen. The company is conducting further research to explore PH1’s ability to disrupt key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF and FGFR3.
Abizer Gaslightwala, President and CEO of Akari Therapeutics, said: “We are excited to build on the scientific data already established for our novel PH1 spliceosome modulator payload with continued, ongoing research.”
He added: “We have also demonstrated its ability to induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells under the influence of key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF and FGFR3. As such, we are continuing to further investigate how this novel payload may impact other key drivers relevant to cancer tumors.”
Preliminary data from new preclinical studies assessing PH1’s activity against an established oncogenic driver unique to a major tumour type are expected before the end of the year. Akari aims to use these insights to further develop its ADCs and improve future oncology therapies.
