Alteogen unveils study on switching ADCs to subcutaneous injection, finds potential to reduce toxicity

[Financial News] Alteogen Inc. has unveiled findings from a study confirming the potential to switch antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to subcutaneous injection. In animal studies using its proprietary hyaluronidase platform, ALT-B4, bioavailability was similar to that of intravenous injection, while peak blood concentration and some toxicity indicators were lower.
Alteogen Inc. said it presented the findings in a poster at the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), being held in Madrid, Spain, on the 26th. The study assessed drug absorption, tolerability and safety when its proprietary HER2-targeted ADC candidate ALT-P7 was combined with ALT-B4 and administered subcutaneously.
ADCs are therapies that combine an antibody targeting cancer cells with an anticancer drug. They can deliver potent drugs, but the burden of administration and management of systemic side effects are considered challenges. Development of related formulations is ongoing because switching from intravenous to subcutaneous injection can make administration more convenient.
In animal studies, ALT-B4 promoted ADC absorption depending on the dose, and bioavailability with subcutaneous injection was similar to that with intravenous injection. The drug was found to be distributed more evenly at the injection site, reducing skin damage as well.
Differences were also observed in safety indicators. Neutropenia and hepatotoxicity occurred with intravenous injection, while these adverse effects were reduced when the drug was mixed with ALT-B4 and administered subcutaneously. Peak blood concentration (Cmax) in the subcutaneous injection group was also lower than in the intravenous injection group. However, these findings are based on animal studies, and clinical trials will be needed to determine whether the same effects occur in humans.
Alteogen Inc. plans to continue discussions with global oncology experts on developing subcutaneous ADC formulations based on this study. The company is expanding the scope of its platform's applications, including through a 2024 licensing agreement with Daiichi Sankyo to develop ADCs in subcutaneous formulations using ALT-B4.
Alteogen CEO Jeon Tae-yeon said, "This study is meaningful because it confirmed the potential to improve both convenience of administration and safety," adding, "We will continue to highlight ALT-B4's development potential in the ADC field at global conferences."

[email protected] Jeong Sang-hee Reporter