BIWA-1

BIWA-1 is a murine monoclonal antibody that targets the CD44 variant isoform v6 (CD44v6), a cell surface adhesion molecule overexpressed in certain cancers, notably head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It was developed and studied for its use in tumor imaging and potential radioimmunotherapy. BIWA-1 binds with high affinity to CD44v6, enabling selective tumor uptake and imaging when radiolabeled, but is immunogenic in humans and has since been succeeded in clinical development by humanized derivatives such as BIWA 4 (bivatuzumab)[1][2]. The mechanism of action is through specific binding and targeting of CD44v6 on tumor cells, enabling their localization and potential therapeutic targeting.