Claudin 18.2 pipeline continues to grow: Data Byte

Following Astellas’ acquisition of the most advanced program targeting CLDN18.2 nearly five years ago, the pipeline of therapies targeting the tight junction protein has grown to 20, half of which have started clinical trials, making CLDN18.2 one of the most sought after new targets for epithelial cancers.

Astellas Pharma Inc. (Tokyo:4503) gained worldwide rights to first-in-class zolbetuximab (IMAB362) through the 2016 acquisition of German biotech Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG for €422 million ($459.4 million) up front and up to €860 million in milestones. The mAb against CLDN18.2 is in Phase III testing for gastric or gastroesophageal cancer and Phase II testing for pancreatic cancer. ...