ABT-165, a Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) Targeting DLL4 and VEGF, Demonstrates Superior Efficacy and Favorable Safety Profiles in Preclinical Models

Anti-angiogenic therapy is a clinically validated modality in cancer treatment. To date, all approved anti-angiogenic drugs primarily inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) has been identified as a potential drug target in VEGF-independent angiogenesis and tumor initiating cell (TIC) survival. A dual-specific biologic targeting both VEGF and DLL4 could be an attractive strategy to improve the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy. ABT-165 was uniquely engineered using a proprietary dual-variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) technology based on its ability to bind and inhibit both DLL4 and VEGF. In vivo, ABT-165 induced significant tumor growth inhibition compared to either parental antibody treatment alone, due in part to the disruption of functional tumor vasculature. In combination with chemotherapy agents, ABT-165 also induced greater anti-tumor response and outperformed anti-VEGF treatment. ABT-165 displayed non-linear pharmacokinetic profiles in cynomolgus monkeys, with an apparent terminal half-life > 5 days at a target saturation dose. In a GLP monkey toxicity study, ABT-165 was well-tolerated at doses up to 200 mg/kg with non-adverse treatment-related histopathology findings limited to the liver and thymus. In summary, ABT-165 represents a novel anti-angiogenic strategy that potently inhibits both DLL4 and VEGF, demonstrating favorable in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in pre-clinical models. Given these preclinical attributes, ABT-165 has progressed to a Phase 1 study.

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