HEC-922

HEC-922 is a novel bispecific agonistic antibody designed to target Cadherin-17 (CDH17) and the immune costimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137). Developed by HEC Pharm, it is specifically intended for the treatment of CDH17-positive gastrointestinal malignancies, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. The molecule is constructed using high-affinity nanobodies against both CDH17 and 4-1BB, linked to an ADCC-silenced Fc domain. Its mechanism of action relies on CDH17-mediated clustering, which triggers 4-1BB agonism only in the presence of CDH17-positive tumor cells. This tumor-localized activation is designed to enhance T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity while minimizing the systemic toxicities typically associated with traditional 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated potent tumor growth inhibition, restoration of immune cell function, and a reduction in exhausted T cells in animal models.