Problem

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often metastatic at diagnosis, thus limiting surgical options. Chemotherapies offer limited efficacy and high toxicity. Meningiomas, though usually benign, are the most common intracranial tumors. Both NETs and meningiomas overexpress SSTR2, making it a promising target for diagnosis and treatment. There is a need to develop an effective targeted therapy with less side effects.

Solution

• Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a new humanized anti-human SSTR2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a chimeric SSTR2 mAb that showed high surface specificity, binding rate, and internalization in NET and meningiomas
• The humanized SSTR2 mAb has been conjugated with different FDA-approved or clinically evaluated linkers and cytotoxic payloads to generate novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and Dual-payload ADCs
• The anti-SSTR2 ADC showed significant anti-tumor activity in NET and meningioma xenograft mouse models with no toxicity, even at the maximum tolerated dose

Applications

• Targeted treatment of SSTR2+ NETs and meningiomas
• Precise imaging, diagnosis and targeted radiotherapy of SSTR2+ tumor utilizing engineered SSTR2 antibodies conjugated with radioisotopes
• Generation of dual payload ADCs that conjugate the humanized SSTR2 mAb with multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action

Advantages

• Specific targeting: The engineered anti-SSTR2 mAb showed high surface specificity and binding rate to SSTR2+ tumor cells only
• Reduced toxicity: The targeted approach allows to reduce the required dose for therapeutic response, lowering the risk of systemic toxicity
• Improved response: DualADC combines direct tumor killing with immune activation, potentially leading to more durable responses
• Enhanced stability: ADCs have a long plasma half-life and high stability, ensuring sustained therapeutic effects
• Scalable production: The researchers developed a GLP-compliant biomanufacturing protocol, including comprehensive characterization using different techniques, that is readily adaptable for large-scale GMP production

Seeking opportunities for co-development, out-licensing or new venture formation