BioAtla enlists first patient in Phase 1/2 BA3011-001 Clinical Trial for CAB-AXL-ADC Therapeutic

BioAtla which is a global biotechnology company aiming to develop Conditionally Active Biologic protein Therapeutics announced the treatment of first patient in its clinical trial BA3011-001 for BioAtla’s BA3011, a novel conditionally active AXL-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (CAB-AXL-ADC).

Conditionally Active Biologic proteins are generated using BioAtla’s proprietary protein discovery, evolution and expression technologies. These proteins can be monoclonal antibodies, enzymes and other proteins designed with functions dependent on changes in microphysiological conditions (e.g., pH level, oxidation, temperature, pressure, presence of certain ions, hydrophobicity and combinations thereof) both outside and inside cells.

Phase 1/2 study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity and antitumor activity of BA3011 in patients with advanced solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), castration resistant prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. CAB-AXL-ADC is BioAtla’s first CAB investigational product to enter clinical trials.

Howard A. “Skip” Burris III, MD. Dr. Burris, a recognized leader in clinical oncology, serves as chief medical officer and president of clinical operations at Sarah Cannon. said “Innovative advancements in the treatment of cancer include tumor specific activation of therapy and promoting appropriate immune response. Providing access to cutting-edge therapies in clinical trials, such as the BA3011 clinical study, further supports our mission to advance care for people facing cancer in communities across the U.S. and UK.”

The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is often highly expressed in several cancer types that can lead to poor prognosis. A principal role of AXL appears to be in sustaining a major mechanism of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies. In addition, AXL is a factor in the repression of the innate immune response which may also limit response to treatment including immuno-oncology (IO) therapy.  While this makes the AXL receptor an attractive target for tumor therapy, the AXL receptor is also prevalent in normal tissue of several organs in the body.