Abstract 4419: Development of a first-in-class camptothecin-based antibody-drug conjugate targeting ALPP/ALPPL2 with potent antitumor activity and excellent tolerability
Abstract Introduction: ALPP (alkaline phosphatase, placental) and ALPPL2 (alkaline phosphatase, placental-like 2) emerge as promising targets due to their expression across multiple solid tumors, including ovarian (60%), endometrial (50%), pancreatic (30%), and gastric cancer (15%) along with minimal expression in normal adult tissues. We developed a novel ALPP/ALPPL2-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) incorporated a proprietary camptothecin-derived payload linked through a protease-cleavable linker to a high-affinity monoclonal antibody. Preclinical studies demonstrate robust antitumor activity with favorable safety, supporting its potential to benefit patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. Methods: Parental antibody binding to ALPP/ALPPL2-positive cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Selectivity against related phosphatases (hALPL and hALPI) was confirmed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ALPP/ALPPL2-ADC cytotoxicity was assessed using CellTiter-Glo (CTG) in ALPPL2-positive cells (HEP2, NCI-H1651). Bystander killing was quantified in co-cultures of ALPPL2-positive HEP2 cells and Jurkat controls by measuring Jurkat viability with CTG assay. In vivo efficacy was examined in Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) model and LD1-0017-200702 gastric patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Pharmacokinetics and toxicology were characterized in cynomolgus monkeys at 20 and 40 mg/kg, administered every three weeks for three cycles. Results: The parental ALPP/ALPPL2 antibody demonstrated high specificity for human and cynomolgus ALPP/ALPPL2, with no cross-reactivity to related phosphatases (hALPL and hALPI). The ALPP/ALPPL2-ADC (drug antibody ratio of 8), incorporating a proprietary camptothecin-based linker-payload, exhibited target mediated cytotoxicity in HEP2 (ALPP/ALPPL2high) and NCI-H1651 (ALPP/ALPPL2medium) cells in vitro. The ADC also showed a 50-fold greater bystander killing effect compared with a deruxtecan-based ADC. In vivo, a single 1 mg/kg dose induced profound tumor regression in the Capan-1 CDX model, while in the gastric adenocarcinoma PDX model refractory to an ADC with an MMAE payload, a single 8 mg/kg dose achieved deep tumor remission. In non-human primates, the ALPP/ALPPL2 showed linear pharmacokinetics and excellent tolerability (highest non severely toxic dose ≥40 mg/kg). Conclusion: ALPP/ALPPL2-ADC is a promising therapeutic candidate for solid tumors, particularly gynecologic cancers. As a first-in-class camptothecin-based ADC targeting ALPP/ALPPL2, it combines high antibody specificity with robust antitumor efficacy and favorable tolerability, supporting advancement into clinical development. Citation Format: Rui Liu, Lingli Zhang, Fan Yang, Junjie Zhang, Wan-Jen Yang, Xiaoling Yuan, Jichen Sha, Yushi Chi, Ge Song, Weiguang Qu, Zhiliang Lv, Qian Zou, Huixin Yan, Chen Hu, Jijun Yuan. Development of a first-in-class camptothecin-based antibody-drug conjugate targeting ALPP/ALPPL2 with potent antitumor activity and excellent tolerability [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 4419.
Authors
- Jichen Sha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2858-3220)
- Wei Qu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9662-750X)
- Qian Zou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3981-3151)
- Jijun Yuan
- Lingli Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3832-4046)
- Xiaoling Yuan
- Zhiliang Lv
- W.-J. Yang
- Chen Hu
- Ge Song
- Yushi Chi
- Fan Yang
- Junjie Zhang
- Rui Liu
- Huixin Yan
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cancer Research
- Published
- 2026-04-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-4419
- Primary Topic
- Alkaline Phosphatase Research Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00