Abion Demonstrates Anticancer Efficacy of ABN202 at AACR

Abion announced on April 29 that it had presented preclinical results for its TROP2-targeting antibody-interferon beta fusion protein, 'ABN202,' at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The company demonstrated that ABN202 exhibits superior anticancer efficacy compared to commercially available antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

ABN202 is a therapeutic agent that fuses interferon beta (IFN-β) to an antibody targeting the TROP2 antigen. In this study, ABN202 showed significantly improved anticancer effects compared to existing ADCs in various solid tumor models, including TROP2-positive breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Interferon beta is an immune-modulating cytokine belonging to the type I interferon family. It is a key factor that activates immune responses and induces the elimination of cancer cells.

ABN202 binds to specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells using its antibody component and secretes interferon beta, thereby inducing a targeted anticancer mechanism. Unlike conventional ADCs that use cytotoxic drug payloads, ABN202 activates various immune cells through the interferon beta fused to the antibody. This results in a dual-action mechanism that simultaneously induces cancer cell killing effects.

A company representative stated, "We confirmed that ABN202's anticancer efficacy remains stable even in situations of cross-resistance among ADC drugs. In addition to TROP2, it is possible to expand the target to include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET)."

The representative also emphasized, "ABN202 will grow in value as a next-generation platform that can complement existing ADCs, which have limitations in clinical application due to the toxicity of cytotoxic drugs."

Abion is working to establish a local subsidiary in the United States to accelerate the development of ABN202. The company aims to build an independent development system through collaboration and investment attraction with U.S. biotech firms.