CD44v9-directed antibody-drug conjugate

CD44v9-directed antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a series of therapeutic candidates developed by Abzena that target the variant isoform 9 of the CD44 transmembrane glycoprotein (CD44v9). CD44v9 is a recognized marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs) and plays a critical role in tumor survival by stabilizing the cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11. This stabilization enhances glutathione synthesis, which buffers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. These ADCs are engineered with either senolytic or antioxidant defense-inhibiting payloads to specifically eliminate residual CD44v9-positive CSCs within the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies in patient-derived organoids have demonstrated that these ADCs can sensitize tumors to standard-of-care chemotherapy and potentially prevent disease progression, recurrence, and metastasis in malignancies such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP).

Other names

CD44v9-targeted antibody-drug conjugateCD-44v9-targeted antibody-drug conjugateCD 44v9-targeted antibody-drug conjugate