AST-202

AST-202 is a novel micellar aptamer-drug conjugate (ApDC) designed for targeted cancer immunotherapy. It consists of a CD25-targeting aptamer precisely conjugated with three anti-mitotic monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) warheads. The drug selectively binds to CD25 (the alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor, IL2RA), which is highly expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs) within tumor tissue and in certain hematologic malignancies. By targeting and depleting Tregs in the tumor microenvironment, AST-202 aims to enhance antitumor immune responses and directly treat cancers with high CD25 expression. The cytotoxic MMAE payload induces cell death upon internalization into target cells. This approach seeks to improve outcomes in solid tumors and blood cancers by shifting the balance toward effector T cell activity[1][5][2].