The biotechnology company Immunome, Inc., Bothel, Washington, recently announced the dosing of the patient who is participating in the first trial investigating IM-1021 which is a ROR1—target of ADCs.
The trial is structured to determine IM-1021’s effectiveness in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer.
Patients with advanced solid tumors and advanced B-cell lymphomas will be participating in the multi-center open label dose escalation study that is designed to advance the tolerability, safety, mechanism of drug action (pharmacokinetics), and IM-1021 anti-tumor activity.
When compared to a competitor (deruxtecan) IM-1021 demonstrated superior potency in preclinical models in both triple-negative breast cancer and mantle cell lymphoma. Preclinical data for IM-1021 showed robust antitumor activity as did the associated ADC payload HC74.
About ADCs
The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) cancer treatment combines chemotherapy and targeted therapy. It is a new and promising class of oncology therapeutics designed to deliver cell-killing cytotoxic drugs (payloads) to tumor-targeting antibodies.
Dr. Jack Higgins, Chief scientific Officer at Immunome, explained that ADCs are complex molecules. They consist of an antibody attached by way of a chemical linker to a chemotherapy payload.
Dr. Higgins further explained that the company strives to match the target to the most effective combination of linker, antibody and payload.
ROR1
ROR1 is a target of ADC and is expressed in both hematological and solid tumor cells but limited in normal adult tissues. This makes ROR1 an excellent target for therapies capable of selectively killing cancer cells and avoiding healthy tissues.
About Immunome
The company is focused on advancing the development and discovery of antibody-based drugs. Its Discovery Engine recognizes novel therapeutic antibodies and targets through leveraging components of B cells from patients who have been successful in fighting their cancer.
Immunome is an oncology targeted company that is committed to the development of first—in-class therapies developed to provide improved outcomes for patients with cancer. The company is drawing on its experience in the development of cancer therapies that include ADCs.
Source: Immunome Inc.
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Last modified: March 26, 2025