XM182-Exatecan

XM182-Exatecan is a self-assembling polypeptide-drug conjugate (OncoPDC) developed for the treatment of pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and other high-grade gliomas. Developed by Excellamol, the conjugate consists of an IL13Ra2-binding ligand, an intrinsically disordered domain, and the cytotoxic topoisomerase I inhibitor exatecan. Designed for administration via convection-enhanced delivery (CED) into the brain, the molecule undergoes a phase transition to form self-assembled coacervates, which significantly prolongs drug retention and residence time within the pons. Preclinical evaluations in rodent models have demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics and a lack of neurohistopathological toxicity, supporting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for lethal brain tumors.