On November 12, 2021 Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLDX) reported positive preclinical data from CDX-585, the Company’s bispecific antibody with dual targeting of ILT4 and PD-1 checkpoint pathways, developed from its bispecific antibody platform (Press release, Celldex Therapeutics, NOV 12, 2021, View Source [SID1234595441]). These data were presented in a poster session as part of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper)’s 36th Annual Meeting (SITC 2021).

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The data show CDX-585 effectively combines the blockade of ILT4 and PD-1 into one molecule, with favorable biophysical and functional characteristics, supporting the initiation of development activities including manufacturing and IND-enabling studies. CDX-585 is the first compound from Celldex’s research and collaboration agreement with Biosion, Inc. and combines Celldex’s ILT4 mAb with Biosion’s PD-1 mAb.

"We are pleased with this data which demonstrate we have successfully combined two important pathways into one molecule and support the further advancement of CDX-585," said Tibor Keler, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Celldex Therapeutics. "We believe that co-targeting ILT4 and PD-1, which are both critical checkpoint pathways, has the potential to produce significant immune enhancing and antitumor effects. We are excited to move forward with CDX-585 in addition to the continued generation of other candidates from our bispecific antibody platform for oncology and inflammatory diseases."

In the preclinical data presented at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), the simultaneous inhibition of ILT4 and PD-1 checkpoints with CDX-585 led to myeloid and T cell activation which may potentially demonstrate clinical utility, particularly in the T cell checkpoint inhibitor refractory setting. CDX-585 promoted T cell activation as measured by mixed lymphocyte reactions superior to that achieved by the combination of ILT4 and PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. CDX-585 also demonstrated anti-tumor activity in a humanized mouse model of melanoma and had a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in pilot studies, without adverse effects of treatment noted in clinical observations or clinical chemistry.

The poster presented at SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper) can be viewed on the "Publications" page of the "Science" section of the Celldex website.

About CDX-585
CDX-585 is a dual targeting PD-1/ILT4 bispecific antibody from Celldex’s bispecific antibody platform, currently in preclinical studies including manufacturing and IND-enabling studies. Expression of ILT4 in several tumor types is associated with poor outcome and in preclinical models, antagonist antibodies to ILT4 have demonstrated immune enhancing and antitumor effects. CDX-585 is being developed as part of a research and collaboration agreement with Biosion, Inc.

About Celldex’s Bispecific Antibody Platform
Celldex’s deep antibody experience and in-house manufacturing capabilities support efficient development of next generation bispecific antibody programs for inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and oncology. Bispecific antibodies can engage two independent pathways involved in controlling immune reactions and combining these into one molecule can result in stronger activity than a combination of the independent antibodies. Targets are being selected based on new science as well as their compatibility to be used in bispecific antibody formats with Celldex’s existing antibody programs. Lead targets in development are emerging as important pathways controlling inflammatory diseases or immunity to tumors.