Ampersand Biomedicines Unveils Preclinical Data on AMP-410 at AACR 2025

Ampersand Biomedicines, a company focused on developing innovative medical treatments, has revealed promising preclinical findings for its lead candidate, AMP-410. This novel anti-VEGF/4-1BB bifunctional therapeutic, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, represents a potential first-in-class solution. AMP-410 was crafted using the unique Address, Navigate, Determine (AND™) platform by Ampersand, which allows the development of treatments that act selectively at the site of disease.

AMP-410 employs proprietary technology to block the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and simultaneously activate the 4-1BB signaling pathway. This dual action is distinct from traditional bispecific molecules. The mechanism reprograms the tumor microenvironment, activating both adaptive and innate immune responses without widespread systemic effects. In various preclinical models, including melanoma, colorectal, and lung cancer, AMP-410 demonstrated considerable efficacy. It showed superior performance in inducing durable anti-tumor immunity compared to other clinical-stage immunotherapies. For instance, in non-small cell lung cancer models, AMP-410 outperformed an anti-VEGF/PD-1 bispecific antibody, offering hope for treating tumors resistant to current checkpoint inhibitors.

The therapeutic also exhibited remarkable outcomes as a monotherapy, achieving a 90% tumor-free survival rate in colorectal cancer and extending survival in melanoma models. When combined with anti-PD-1 therapy, AMP-410 drove 100% tumor-free survival in colorectal cancer and further prolonged survival in melanoma. These results underscore its potential as a powerful new option for hard-to-treat cancers.

The molecular mechanism of AMP-410 enhances immune cell infiltration into tumors and prevents T cell exhaustion, leading to long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. This approach suggests improved tolerability and effectiveness, setting AMP-410 apart from existing treatments. Ampersand's CEO, Jason Gardner, highlighted the platform's ability to precisely localize potent activities to disease sites, thus maximizing therapeutic index and minimizing side effects.

The company is preparing to advance AMP-410 into investigational new drug (IND) enabling studies within the year. This step is crucial for evaluating its safety and efficacy in humans, potentially paving the way for a new class of cancer therapies. Ampersand’s precision platform aims to create best-in-class medicines, not just in oncology but potentially in other therapeutic areas as well.

Ampersand Biomedicines, established by Flagship Pioneering in 2021, leverages its AND™ platform to identify optimal targets for drug localization. Their AND-Body™ therapeutics are designed to anchor specifically in diseased tissues and deliver targeted therapeutic effects. This innovative approach minimizes off-target side effects while enhancing target engagement, making it a promising avenue for developing effective treatments for various diseases.