On November 10, 2025 Akeso, Inc. (HKEX: 9926. HK) reported that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase I clinical trial evaluating the personalized mRNA vaccine AK154. This trial is investigating AK154 both as a monotherapy and as a combination with the company’s first-in-class bispecific antibodies, cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4) and ivonescimab (PD-1/VEGF), for the adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer following surgical resection.
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AK154 is Akeso’s first mRNA-based therapeutic candidate to enter clinical development. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough for the company in the field of mRNA technology, following its established leadership in multi-specific antibodies, and entry into the clinic for its antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
AK154 is a personalized neoantigen vaccine developed by Akeso using its mRNA platform. It designs sequence-specific mRNA vaccines by sequencing tumor tissue and identifying immunogenic mutations with high affinity. This approach aims to overcome the "cold tumor" phenotype seen in pancreatic cancer.
AK154 shows a synergistic therapeutic effect with Akeso’s bispecific antibodies in enhancing anti-tumor immunity. Preclinical data demonstrated strong immunogenicity, potent anti-tumor activity, and a favorable safety profile. The combination of AK154 with cadonilimab or ivonescimab offers potentially promising new therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer patients.
(Press release, Akeso Biopharma, NOV 10, 2025, View Source [SID1234659746])