Abstract LB448: VBC103: An innovative Trop2/Nectin4 targeted bispecific antibody drug conjugate (ADC) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and beyond
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Jing , Guan Lingyu , Xu Man , Yin Qun 
Published: April 2024

Trop2 and Nectin4 are transmembrane proteins involved in cancer pathogenesis. The therapeutic potential of targeting Trop2 or Nectin4 has been demonstrated through the approval of Trodelvy™ (Sacituzumab govitecan; SG) and Padcev™ (Enfortumab Vedotin; EV). However, the clinical use of these agents is accompanied by safety concerns. Trodelvy carries Boxed Warnings for severe or life-threatening neutropenia and severe diarrhea, while Padcev is associated with serious skin reactions. These safety issues underscore the importance of improving the drugs' safety profiles. It should be noted that the co-expression of Trop2 and Nectin4 is high in solid tumors while limited or moderate in normal tissues, presents an opportunity for more tumor-specific targeting and supports the bispecific design that could potentially address these safety issues.

VBC103 is a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that selectively targets both Trop2 and Nectin4, which are highly co-expressed in UC, TNBC and other tumors. It delivers a TOPOi payload with a strong bystander effect to tumor cells. Our unique design maximizes efficacy while minimizing safety concerns. VBC103 has the following features to differentiate itself from other drugs targeting Trop2 or Nectin4 separately in clinical development and on the market.

1. Modulated affinity and valency. VBC103 incorporates a moderate affinity arm that targets Trop2 and a moderate affinity but high avidity arm that targets Nectin4, allowing for enhanced binding avidity, internalization, and cytotoxicity compared to its parental molecules (anti-Nectin4 parental antibody) or approved drug like EV. Additionally, the moderate affinity of both Trop2 and Nectin4 in VBC103 helps to reduce target-driven toxicities in normal tissues.

2. Innovative format of VHH-Fc fusion protein (MW 90kDa) demonstrated the superior tumor penetration, accumulation (MFI ratio in tumor: 280 VS 174) and distribution (MFI ratio in liver: 10 VS 18) compared to the IgG1 mAb- enfortumab (MW 150kDa).

3. Stronger bystander cell killing effect of the TOPOi payload vs. that of the payload used in EV.

4. Superior in vivo efficacy. In the UC CDX model, TGI 95% [VBC103, 5 mpk] vs 77% [EV, 8 mpk] vs 70% [EV+SG, 4+4 mpk] (Q3W X 3; ADC molecular equivalence) at Day 42 post injection. In the TNBC CDX model, VBC103 demonstrated continued superior efficacy compared to EV (maximum tolerated dose) and SG when administered as a single dose treatment at Day 21 post injection.

5. Wide therapeutic widow (TW). Preliminary toxicity studies in cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated good tolerability of repeated doses (18 and 36 mpk) of VBC103, which is molecular equivalent to 30 and 60 mpk of IgG1 ADC. These findings could establish a TW of &gt;10 (HNSTD/MED).

6. Good developability. VBC103 also exhibited excellent developability based on plasma stability and other stress test data, which suggests it a good candidate in future CMC development.

In summary, VBC103, with its unique bispecific design and differentiated features in affinity, valency, linker-payload, has shown promising potential as a first-in-class ADC candidate. Discovery studies have revealed favorable efficacy and toxicity profiles, supporting advancing VBC103 into clinical trials.

Citation Format: Wei Wang, Jing Li, Lingyu Guan, Man Xu, Qun Yin. VBC103: An innovative Trop2/Nectin4 targeted bispecific antibody drug conjugate (ADC) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and beyond [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB448.