vartumab (VAR2 Pharmaceuticals)

Vartumab (also known as rVAR2) is a recombinant fusion protein developed by Var2 Pharmaceuticals. It consists of a specific binding domain of the malaria protein **VAR2CSA** (derived from *Plasmodium falciparum*) fused to a human IgG1 Fc fragment. The drug's mechanism of action involves targeting **oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS)**, a unique carbohydrate modification that is normally only found in the placenta but is highly expressed on the surface and in the extracellular matrix of a wide variety of solid tumors. By binding to ofCS with high affinity and specificity, Vartumab can be used as a standalone therapeutic to inhibit tumor growth or as a targeting moiety for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and radiopharmaceuticals. It is currently being investigated in Phase 1 clinical trials for multiple solid tumor indications, including colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and brain cancers.

Other names

rVAR2-FcrVAR-2-FcrVAR 2-FcVAR2CSA-Fc fusion proteinVAR-2CSA-Fc fusion proteinVAR 2CSA-Fc fusion protein