AK132

AK132 is an asymmetric bispecific antibody developed by Akeso that targets both Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), a tight junction protein overexpressed in several primary malignancies (notably gastric and pancreatic cancers), and CD47, a cell surface protein that interacts with SIRPα on innate immune cells to inhibit tumor phagocytosis[1][4][5]. By binding with high affinity to both human CLDN18.2 and CD47, AK132 competitively blocks the CD47-SIRPα axis—relieving inhibition of tumor cell phagocytosis—and enables macrophage-mediated destruction of CLDN18.2+/CD47+ tumor cells[5]. Additionally, it induces potent tumor cell killing through Fc-mediated effector functions such as ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity), ADCP (antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis), and CDC (complement-dependent cytotoxicity)[5]. Preclinical studies show superior antitumor efficacy compared to anti-CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibodies alone[5]. Importantly, its unique design reduces affinity for red blood cells, minimizing erythrocyte toxicity—a common issue with other CD47-targeting agents[5].

Other names

anti-CLDN18.2/CD47 bispecific antibody