becotatug vedotin + penpulimab

This combination therapy pairs becotatug vedotin (MRG003), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with penpulimab (AK105), a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor. Becotatug vedotin consists of a humanized anti-EGFR IgG1 antibody conjugated to the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable valine-citrulline linker. Penpulimab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody designed to block the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, thereby enhancing the immune response against tumor cells. The combination is being investigated for its potential synergistic effects in treating EGFR-positive cancers, specifically in the neoadjuvant setting for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC), where it aims to improve surgical outcomes and pathological response rates. The therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 trials led by West China Hospital.

Other names

Becotatug vedotin plus penpulimabMRG003 plus penpulimabMRG-003 plus penpulimabMRG 003 plus penpulimab