Nov 2, 2023 — Laekna (2105.HK), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to bringing novel therapies to cancer and liver fibrosis patients worldwide, today announced that the company will present two new preclinical candidates discovered in house at the 2023 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC 2023) in November 1-5, 2023, in San Diego, California. The presentation will feature preclinical data of two bispecific antibodies, LAE111, an anti-LILRB1/LILRB2 bispecific antibody modulating myeloid, NK and T cell functions, and LAE113, an anti-PVRIG/TIGIT bispecific antibody modulating T cell and NK cell functions.

"We are delighted to share the preclinical data for these two promising molecules discovered at Laekna during SITC 2023. Both drug candidates have demonstrated superior efficacy compared to existing competitors and worked well in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies to reverse anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody resistance.” said Dr. Justin Gu, Chief Scientific Officer of Laekna. “We have a talented discovery team; the discovery of LAE111 and LAE113 was led by two young scientists, Dr. Minhua Zhang and Dr. Yan Chen, respectively.  Laekna now has several promising preclinical candidates entering into IND-enabling studies.  We are committed to bring them into clinical stage soon to provide new treatment options to the patients."

Presentation details are as follows:

Title: Preclinical characterization of LAE111, a potent anti-LILRB1/LILRB2 antagonist bispecific antibody

Abstract Number: 575

Authors: Minhua Zhang, Rong Wu, Chaojun Cai, Xiang-Ju Justin Gu

Presenter: Dr. Xiang-Ju Justin Gu, Laekna

Location: Exhibit Hall B, San Diego Convention Center

Date/Time:

Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.    (PT)

Abstract Highlights:

LAE 111 is a novel and potent bispecific antibody targeting LILRB1 and LILRB2. It has exhibited superior potency compared to dual antibody NGM707 against LILRB1/2 and other anti-LILRB1, anti-LILRB2 antibodies currently in clinical development. It has also demonstrated exceptional stability and developability in preclinical setting.

Furthermore, the combination of LAE111 with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody markedly activated T cell response, giving it the potential to become a novel cancer therapy to overcome PD-1/PD-L1 resistance.

Full texts of the abstracts are available here.

Title: LAE113, a novel TIGIT/PVRIG bispecific antibody for the treatment of cancer

Abstract Number: 473

Authors: Yan Chen, Xue Li, Ling Jiang, Xiang-Ju Justin Gu

Presenter: Dr. Xiang-Ju Justin Gu, Laekna

Location: Exhibit Hall B, San Diego Convention Center

Date/Time: 

Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.   (PT)

Abstract Highlights:

LAE113 is an exceptionally potent TIGIT and PVRIG signaling blocker, outperforming existing competitors in the modulation of T cell and NK cell functions. The preclinical profile highlights its outstanding potential as a best-in-class candidate with favorable drug like properties for development.

Furthermore, LAE113 has demonstrated a synergistic effect when combined with LAE005, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, in enhancing IFN-γ secretion from CD8+T cells. Additionally, it is a universal ADCC enhancer when combined with monoclonal antibodies and NK cell engagers.

In an HuPBMC A375 Xenograft model, LAE113 exhibited significant inhibition of tumor growth. These findings make it a highly promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy.

Full texts of the abstracts are available here.

About Laekna

Founded in 2016, Laekna is a science-driven, clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to bringing novel therapies to cancer and liver fibrosis patients worldwide.

As of June 30, 2023, Laekna has initiated six clinical trials for afuresertib (LAE002), LAE001 and LAE005 to address unmet medical needs in cancers, such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Among the six clinical trials, three are multi-regional clinical trials (MRCTs), including one pivotal trial.

Laekna’s internal drug discovery platform has discovered 12 drug candidates. LAE102 is our first internally discovered antibody which has obtained an IND approval from the FDA. Its potential indications include muscle regeneration, obesity, and cancer.

Laekna, Inc. was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”) on June 29, 2023. The stock code is 2105.HK.

For more information, please visit: https://www.laekna.com/

or https://www.linkedin.com/company/74110713/

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