On March 29, 2019 Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering the use of DARPin therapeutics* to treat serious diseases, reported that the company will present new pre-clinical data highlighting the company’s immuno-oncology and DARPin directed drug delivery (DDC) platforms at the Annual Meeting 2019 of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) in Atlanta (Press release, Molecular Partners, MAR 29, 2019, View Source [SID1234534754]).
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Using Molecular Partners’ novel and modular immuno-oncology toolbox, the company has designed a targeted approach to activate CD40 selectively in the tumor microenvironment. This approach is based on a multi-specific DARPin molecule that incorporates a DARPin directed to fibroblast activation protein (FAP) to localize an agonistic CD40 DARPin selectively in solid tumors with the goal of increase efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Preclinical data demonstrated that the company’s multi-specific FAP x CD40 DARPin molecule induced FAP-dependent activation of
B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages.
The versatility of DARPin molecules also makes them an attractive alternative to antibodies for the development of drug conjugates. Molecular Partners has developed DARPin drug conjugates (DDCs) in collaboration with ImmunoGen, Inc., (Nasdaq: IMGN), using a model EGFR multi-specific DARPin molecule. The DDCs displayed antigen-specific activity across a panel of cell lines expressing EGFR. DARPin drug conjugates combine the selectivity and potency observed with antibody drug conjugates and the novel modular design of DARPin molecules to create specifically designed therapeutics.
"We are very pleased with our advancing pipeline of DARPin based therapeutics which includes both DDCs and immuno-oncology agents. The data presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) showcase the innovative power of the DARPin platform in the multi-specific biologics space," commented Pamela A. Trail, Chief Scientific Officer of Molecular Partners.
The data will be presented at the following AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2019 sessions under the respective titles:
CD40: Tuesday, 2 April 2019, 8.00 am, section 25: 3251 / 1 – "Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-selective delivery of CD40 agonistic DARPin molecule for tumor-localized immune activation" (Rigamonti et al.)
DDC: Sunday, 31 March 2019, 1.00 pm, section 9: 215 / 6 – "Generation of site-specific DARPin drug conjugates using EGFR as a model system" (Laviolette et al.)
Full details on the Molecular Partners’ sessions at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2019 as well as all presentations can be found on the conference page. Following their presentation at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), the posters will also be available on the corresponding section of the Molecular Partners website.
Financial Calendar
April 16, 2019 – Annual General Meeting
May 9, 2019 – Interim Management Statement Q1 2019
August 27, 2019 – Publication of Half-year Results 2019 (unaudited)
October 31, 2019 – Interim Management Statement Q3 2019
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About the DARPin Difference
DARPin therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than 5 targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics.
The DARPin technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields.
With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin therapeutics have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology, and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin drug candidates in oncology and immuno-oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in phase 3, in partnership with Allergan. Several DARPin molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced DARPin therapeutic candidate wholly owned by Molecular Partners, MP0250, is in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological tumors. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin drug candidate owned by Molecular Partners, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2 and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 is currently in phase 1. The company’s lead immuno-oncology product candidate MP0310 is a FAP x 4-1BB multi-DARPin therapeutic candidate designed to locally activate immune cells in the tumor by binding to FAP on tumor stromal cells (localizer) and co-stimulating T cells via 4-1BB (immune modulator). Molecular Partners has closed a collaboration agreement with Amgen for the exclusive clinical development and commercialization of MP0310. MP0310 is expected to enter into the clinic in H2 2019. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical and research pipeline in immuno-oncology that features its ‘I/O toolbox’ and additional development programs. DARPin is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG.