Important step forward for listed company’s new class of anti-cancer therapy

Wetherby-based life sciences business Avacta Group has demonstrated initial proof-of-concept for its proprietary new class of drug conjugate, “TMAC^TM“, in a preclinical animal model of cancer.

Avacta’s drug conjugates combine the company’s two proprietary platforms, Affimer® immunotherapies and pre|CISION^TM chemotherapies, in a single drug molecule.

The TMAC molecule is designed to inflame the tumour locally in such a way that it attracts the immune system to further attack the cancer, whilst the Affimer immunotherapy part of the TMAC molecule supports this secondary immune system attack.

In a mouse tumour model, Avacta has shown that its product outperforms Bavencio (avelumab), a marketed PD-L1 antibody inhibitor developed by Merck and Pfizer. 

Dr Alastair Smith, chief executive of Avacta Group, said: “These in vivo efficacy and distribution data demonstrate initial proof-of-concept for TMAC drug conjugates and represent an important milestone for the company.

“We continue to receive significant commercial interest in the TMAC concept, so I am delighted we have been able to demonstrate superior efficacy and targeting of the warhead to the tumour with the first TMAC that we have tested in animals.

“This is hugely encouraging for the TMAC programme and I look forward to keeping the market updated on future developments.“