Avaren-Fc

Avaren-Fc (AvFc) is a novel lectin-Fc fusion protein designed as a high-mannose-glycan-targeting immunotherapy. It consists of the lectin Avaren fused to a human IgG1 Fc region. The drug specifically targets aberrant N-linked high-mannose-type glycans, which are overexpressed on various cancer cells, including ovarian cancer, while remaining largely absent on normal tissues. Upon binding to these glycans, Avaren-Fc activates Fcγ receptors (such as FcγRIIIa) to induce cytotoxic effector functions like antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Preclinical studies in ovarian cancer models have demonstrated its ability to prolong survival and stimulate adaptive immune responses, including the expansion of Th1 and CD8+ T cells.