PLT012

PLT012 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD36, a lipid scavenger receptor implicated in immune dysfunction within metabolically hostile tumor microenvironments. By selectively blocking CD36-mediated lipid uptake, PLT012 disrupts the metabolic reprogramming that supports tumor progression and immune evasion. Its dual mechanism of action involves disarming immunosuppressive cell populations (such as regulatory T cells and pro-tumor macrophages) while amplifying effector T cell functions, particularly enhancing cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activity. Preclinical studies have demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy in both "immune-hot" and "immune-cold" models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver metastases, and high-fat-diet–induced tumor progression. The antibody has also shown synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1/PD-L1 blockers. PLT012 has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of liver cancer (HCC) and intrahepatic bile duct cancer (ICCA), with first-in-human trials anticipated in 2025[1][4][5][6][7][9].