Adecto Pharmaceuticals is pioneering the development of a targeted therapy aimed at ADAM8-positive cancers, particularly focusing on aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). The company has identified the ADAM8 protein as a significant driver of tumor growth and metastasis, which is expressed on the surface of cancer cells. Their therapeutic approach involves a highly specific mouse monoclonal antibody, ADP2, designed to inhibit both the metalloprotease and disintegrin domains of ADAM8, which are crucial for cancer progression. Preclinical studies have shown that ADP2 can effectively reduce primary tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC models, and it has the potential to enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapy treatments.

In addition to their therapeutic development, Adecto is also creating a companion diagnostic tool utilizing immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify patients with ADAM8-positive tumors. This diagnostic leverages the same ADP2 antibody to detect the presence of ADAM8 in tumor biopsies, ensuring that only patients with the appropriate cancer profile receive the targeted therapy. The IHC-based diagnostic is designed for rapid adoption in clinical settings, facilitating patient access to the innovative treatment. Adecto's future plans include expanding their focus beyond TNBC to encompass other solid tumors associated with ADAM8 expression, thereby addressing a significant unmet need in cancer therapeutics.

United States

Adecto is a pre-clinical stage, cancer therapeutics company, developing the first targeted therapy against ADAM8-expressing cancers and a companion diagnostic to identify patients who can benefit from it. ADAM8 is a critical driver of the growth and spread of many aggressive tumors, including those of the breast, stomach, colon, lungs, liver and pancreas, and is associated with poor patient survival. Adecto’s current focus is on breast cancer with a plan to expand to other oncology indications in the future.  

Adecto Pharmaceuticals

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