tuvonalimab

Tuvonalimab (AK117) is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets CD47, a transmembrane protein often overexpressed on cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. CD47 serves as a "don't eat me" signal by interacting with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages and other phagocytic cells. By blocking this interaction, tuvonalimab promotes the phagocytosis of tumor cells. Developed by Akeso Biopharma, tuvonalimab is engineered to have high affinity for CD47 while exhibiting minimal hemagglutination, a common toxicity associated with other CD47-targeting agents. It is currently being investigated in Phase II clinical trials for various malignancies, including locally advanced cervical cancer (in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor iparomlimab and chemotherapy), gastric cancer, and hematologic malignancies like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Other names

tuvonalimabAK117AK-117AK 117