NPB15

NPB15 is a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes a conformational, oncofetal epitope of CD98 (solute carrier family 3 member 2, SLC3A2) expressed on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, embryonal carcinoma cells, and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells[1][3]. NPB15 binds to CD98 on the surface of these cells but not on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or human hepatocytes. NPB15 exhibits antitumor activity in a xenograft mouse model of HCC, likely via inhibition of CD98-mediated proliferation, migration, cancer stemness, and apoptosis resistance, as well as through potential antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)[1]. The antibody does not cross-react with mouse CD98, suggesting high specificity for the human epitope[1]. NPB15 is being developed as a potential therapeutic for HCC and possibly other CD98-expressing cancers.