ABL Bio, a Korean biotech specializing in bispecific antibodies, said it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with MSD to evaluate the combination therapy of ABL103 and MSD’s Keytruda (ingredient: pembrolizumab), in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

Under the agreement, ABL Bio will conduct phase 1b and 2 clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy. 

ABL103 is a bispecific antibody that targets B7-H4 and 4-1BB. ABL Bio developed it using its proprietary Grabody-T platform, which is designed to enhance antitumor activity while minimizing liver toxicity, a common side effect of conventional 4-1BB monoclonal antibodies.

The technology activates immune T cells specifically within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to selectively attack cancer cells while sparing normal cells.

A dose-escalation phase 1 trial for ABL103 is ongoing in Korea. The combination of ABL103 and Keytruda is expected to provide new therapeutic options for patients with difficult-to-treat solid tumors, ABL Bio said.

The ongoing phase 1 trial of ABL103 monotherapy has been progressing well, and the company is committed to ensuring that it achieves meaningful results in its development, ABL Bio CEO Lee Sang-hoon said.