E![7268], PRE-CISE, AKIRAM THERAPEUTICS AB
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Akiram Therapeutics AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 5 000 000 |
| Project duration | March 2025 - September 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Purpose and goal
Our objective is to develop a next-generation pre-targeted radiotheranostic (PRT) for precision therapy of Cancer. "AKI-TINE" combines the selectivity and specificity of AKIR001 (a full-size IgG1-antibody that binds specifically to CD44v6, a cancer antigen) with a pretargeting method based on click-chemistry and the radionuclide Astatine-211 for the first time. Using PRT, treatments can be optimized, while side-effects and costs can be lowered by ~50% for cancers that are difficult to treat.
Expected effects and result
The new methodology is expected to decrease the radioactive dose without compromising the therapeutic tumor effect, which will be verified in our mouse models. Eventually, we expect this project to provide a new PTR as a candidate for future clinical studies in cancers that are notoriously difficult to treat.
Planned approach and implementation
In vitro methods will determine the affinity and specificity of the modified AKIR001 antibody following click-chemistry adjustments for PRT compatibility, followed by in vivo evaluation of the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the PRT will be assessed in both tumor-bearing mice and a transgenic CD44v6 mouse model. The use of a transgenic mouse model will help establish the safety as well as optimal therapeutic index for the new PRT, AKI-TINE.