T-1501

T-1501 (also known as DBPR186) is a small molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) being developed by Taivex Therapeutics for the treatment of solid tumors, specifically melanoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The therapeutic consists of a small molecule ligand designed to target phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid that is selectively exposed on the surface of cancer cells and within the tumor microenvironment. This targeting moiety is conjugated to DM-1 (mertansine), a potent maytansinoid microtubule inhibitor. Upon binding to PS, the conjugate is internalized, leading to the release of the DM-1 payload, which inhibits tubulin polymerization and induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis. As of mid-2024, T-1501 is in pre-clinical development, with Phase I clinical trials anticipated to commence in 2025.