Immunome Targets Nectin Antibodies for Next-Gen ADCs

Immunotherapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have gained significant traction in recent years, although most successful cancer treatments have focused on a limited set of established targets. This may soon change as Nectin Therapeutics has announced a partnership with Immunome, granting them exclusive rights to a panel of antibodies targeting a "first-in-class" target, details of which are currently undisclosed.

Immunome is led by seasoned industry expert Clay Siegall, who co-founded Seagen (formerly known as Seattle Genetics) in 1997. Seagen, a pioneer in ADC development, was recently acquired by Pfizer for $43 billion. Siegall emphasized that the future of ADCs lies in addressing novel targets through the combination of high-quality antibodies and advanced linker-payload technologies. He expressed confidence in the potential of Nectin's antibodies, indicating a strong alignment with Immunome's strategy to explore underutilized targets, which they believe will lead to groundbreaking oncology therapies.

Nectin's CEO, Fabian Tenenbaum, explained that the target in question is a specific antigen differentially expressed in various tumors with pressing unmet needs. Preclinical evidence has shown promising in vitro and in vivo efficacy with several next-generation payload compounds. Tenenbaum also highlighted why Nectin chose to partner with Immunome, citing Siegall's impressive track record with Seagen and the extensive experience of Immunome's senior team in developing and commercializing novel ADCs.

The financial specifics of the agreement remain confidential, but it includes an upfront payment to Nectin, along with eligibility for milestone payments and royalties. Tenenbaum suggested that an investigational new drug (IND) filing and Phase I clinical trial could commence within the next 24 months. While the agreement does not cover Nectin's internal pipeline candidates, it is expected to provide the necessary capital to advance some of Nectin's in-house projects.

Nectin's most advanced project, NTX1088, is a monoclonal antibody targeting the PVR (CD155) immune checkpoint. It is currently in Phase I trials for solid tumors, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with Merck & Co.'s PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Nectin is also progressing with NTX2R13, which targets CD112R (PVRIG) and is in the IND-enabling phase.

Additionally, Nectin has been working on three ADCs: NTX1107 targets Nectin2 for both solid and hematological cancers, NTX1105 is directed against Nectin4, and NTX8090 targets PVR, both for solid tumors. This diversified pipeline underscores Nectin’s commitment to exploring innovative treatment avenues in oncology.

This new collaboration between Nectin Therapeutics and Immunome marks a significant step towards expanding the repertoire of targets for immunotherapies and ADCs. With the combined expertise of both companies, there is optimism that this partnership will lead to the development of next-generation cancer treatments, potentially addressing significant unmet needs in oncology.