Akari Therapeutics Details Novel ADC Payload Strategy
The oncology firm is developing new spliceosome-modulating payloads to overcome common cancer drug resistance.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Biotech
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Akari Therapeutics CEO Abizer Gaslightwala has outlined a new strategy for developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using a proprietary payload called PH1. This mechanism aims to disrupt RNA splicing in cancer cells, offering an alternative to standard payload classes.
Why it matters
As cancer patients frequently develop resistance to traditional ADC payload classes like microtubule inhibitors, the development of differentiated payloads is essential to maintain efficacy after treatment relapse.
Akari utilizes a proprietary linker to deliver its PH1 spliceosome modulator to tumor cells. The lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor, while the secondary candidate, AKTX-102, is designed to target CEACAM5.
The players
Abizer Gaslightwala
He is the CEO of Akari Therapeutics, an oncology biotechnology company.
Akari Therapeutics
This oncology biotechnology company is headquartered in both Tampa, Florida, and London.
The details
Akari Therapeutics is advancing its oncology pipeline by conducting IND-enabling toxicology and safety studies for AKTX-101. Unlike conventional DNA-damaging agents, the PH1 payload acts as a spliceosome modulator to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Akari Therapeutics released a new CEO Corner segment.
Mid-2027: Akari plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical development.
The Tech Race
The biotechnology sector is currently engaged in a race to refine antibody drug conjugates, with recent activity including Novartis acquiring Myricx Bio and Genentech partnering with DualityBio. This shift signals a move beyond legacy payload classes toward highly specific, mechanism-based therapies.
For patients and healthcare providers, the success of these trials could eventually mean more durable treatment options for patients who have relapsed on standard therapies. The timeline for this impact remains tied to the upcoming Phase 1 clinical development scheduled for 2027.
The takeaway
Developing unique payload mechanisms is a critical step for biotech firms to remain competitive in the crowded oncology landscape. Monitoring the progress of IND-enabling studies will be key to determining the viability of these new agents for clinical use.
What happens next
Akari Therapeutics plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical development for its lead ADC candidate, AKTX-101, in mid-2027.
Further reading
For more updates on oncology breakthroughs, visit the Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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