Is cancer target EpCAM poised for revival?

Historically challenged by a lack of tumor-specific expression, EpCAM — a cancer target that has struggled for years to gain traction — is drawing renewed interest, as next-generation antibody companies develop solutions to the specificity problem. Last week brought early results from a conditionally activated antibody-drug conjugate that holds promise to emerge as the field’s new frontrunner.

On May 12, Cytomx Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CTMX) reported interim Phase I data from CX-2051, an ADC designed with a masking technology to restrict its activation to the tumor microenvironment, in late-line colorectal cancer patients. The ADC carries a TOP1 payload...