Avacta to present AVA6000 clinical update at ESMO Congress

Avacta Group plc, a prominent life sciences company specializing in innovative cancer treatments and diagnostics, has announced its participation in the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The event will take place from September 13-17, 2024, where Avacta will present updated clinical data from its Phase 1a trial of AVA6000, targeting patients with Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP)-positive solid tumors.

AVA6000 is a peptide drug conjugate that combines doxorubicin with a peptide that is specifically cleaved by FAP within the tumor microenvironment. This targeted approach aims to enhance the drug's efficacy while reducing systemic exposure and associated toxicity. The updated data from the Phase 1a trial will be showcased in a poster presentation, providing insights into the drug’s safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical activity.

The presentation, titled "A Phase I trial of AVA6000, a Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP)-released, tumor microenvironment (TME)-targeted doxorubicin peptide drug conjugate in patients with FAP-positive solid tumors," will be part of the Developmental Therapeutics session. Scheduled for September 14, 2024, at 9 AM CEST, the presentation will be held at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, with Professor Chris Twelves from the University of Leeds as the first author.

Avacta Group plc operates through two main divisions: Avacta Therapeutics and Avacta Diagnostics. Avacta Therapeutics is focused on oncology, developing highly targeted cancer treatments using proprietary platforms. Avacta Diagnostics aims to enhance healthcare outcomes by supporting healthcare professionals and expanding access to diagnostic tools.

Avacta’s proprietary platforms, pre|CISION™ and Affimer®, play a critical role in their research and development efforts. The pre|CISION™ platform utilizes a specific substrate for FAP, which is overexpressed in most solid tumors compared to normal tissues. This allows the activation of pre|CISION™ peptide drug conjugates and antibody/Affimer® drug conjugates within the tumor microenvironment, minimizing systemic side effects and optimizing dosing to achieve better patient outcomes.

The lead program under the pre|CISION™ platform, AVA6000, is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. Preliminary data indicate an improvement in safety and tolerability over traditional doxorubicin, along with initial signs of clinical activity in multiple patients.

Avacta’s presentation at the ESMO Congress signifies a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective cancer treatments. The updated clinical data on AVA6000 will be crucial for advancing the drug through subsequent phases of clinical trials and ultimately bringing it to market to benefit patients with FAP-positive solid tumors.

In summary, Avacta Group plc is set to present important clinical updates on their innovative cancer treatment, AVA6000, at the upcoming ESMO Congress in Barcelona. This presentation will highlight the progress made in the Phase 1a trial, demonstrating the potential of AVA6000 to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients through targeted therapy.