First Patient Receives OBT076 in Phase 1b ACC Head and Neck Cancer Trial

Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT), a clinical-stage oncology firm, has initiated a Phase 1b trial for OBT076, a novel Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC), in treating Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive cancer. The trial, sponsored by the Groupe d'Oncologie Radiothérapie Tête Et Cou (GORTEC), a renowned European consortium specializing in head and neck cancer research, marks a significant step in exploring innovative treatments for ACC.

OBT076 is designed to target the CD205 receptor, which is prevalent in both solid and liquid tumors, particularly in high-risk patients. The drug is being tested for its dual action mechanism, potentially offering a new approach to treating ACC, which accounts for a small but significant percentage of head and neck cancers and salivary gland malignancies.

The trial, led by Professor Jean Bourhis, combines OBT076 with balstilimab, a PD-1 blocking antibody, to assess its efficacy as both a standalone treatment and in combination therapy. The study is expected to take place across 15 sites within the GORTEC network, involving patients with recurrent or metastatic ACC.

Professor Bourhis emphasizes the lack of established treatments for ACC, highlighting the importance of OBT076 in targeting the overexpressed CD205 protein in ACC, which is more prevalent than in other solid tumors. This presents a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes.

Christian Rohlff, OBT's CEO, views the trial's commencement as a milestone, expressing hope for OBT076's potential to benefit ACC patients. The drug is also under evaluation in the US and Europe for other advanced solid tumors, with preliminary data indicating clinical activity both as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies.

Developed using OBT's proprietary OGAP® platform, OBT076 represents a significant advancement in cancer-specific, membrane protein libraries, offering a new frontier in identifying high-specific antigens for cancer targets.

GORTEC, established in 1999, focuses on improving patient care and promoting research in head and neck oncology, boasting a network of over 100 cancer treatment centers and approximately 500 investigators.

Oxford BioTherapeutics is dedicated to developing first-in-class immuno-oncology and ADC-based therapies to address significant unmet needs in cancer treatment. The company's OGAP® platform leverages extensive cancer membrane proteomic databases to identify novel oncology targets, with several programs in clinical development.

OBT's strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, along with its experienced management team, underscore its commitment to advancing cancer therapies.