lucansatuzumab

Lucansatuzumab (SKB315) is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical, targeting Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2). The drug comprises a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody covalently linked to a proprietary topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, KL610015 (a belotecan derivative), using the company's proprietary K-Link protease-cleavable linker technology. CLDN18.2 is a highly specific cell-surface antigen frequently overexpressed in gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers, as well as a subset of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), while remaining largely absent in healthy tissues. Upon binding to CLDN18.2, lucansatuzumab is internalized, and the payload is released to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I, leading to double-strand DNA breaks and subsequent cell death. Originally part of a broad collaboration with Merck (MSD), Kelun-Biotech regained full global rights to the program in 2023. Lucansatuzumab is currently in Phase 1 clinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.

Other names

lucansatuzumab