Whitehawk Therapeutics Inc Presents Comprehensive Preclinical Data Highlighting Its Next-Generation Adc Portfolio At the Aacr 2026

Published: 2026-04-20 06:51:02 ET WHWK

Published on 04/20/2026 at 06:51 am EDT

Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. presented new preclinical data across its ADC portfolio at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17-22, 2026, in San Diego, CA. Data demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept for HWK-007, HWK-016 and HWK-206, underpinned by Whitehawk's proprietary Carbon Bridge Cysteine Re-pairing platform. Tumor regressions observed across various cancer models at low single-digit mg/kg doses, with favorable tolerability (HNSTD 60 mg/kg) and low systemic levels of free payload (=0.01% AUC).

Phase 1 trials for HWK-007 and HWK-016 are ongoing; an IND submission for HWK-206 is on track for mid-2026. Overview of Preclinical Presentations: 'Preclinical assessment of HWK-007, a next-generation, PTK7-targeting ADC with novel bioconjugation and linker-payload technology' (Poster #4439). HWK-007 targets PTK7, the third most highly expressed tumor marker among clinically validated and emerging ADC targets, present in ~70% of tumors.

HWK-007 is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with non-squamous, EGFR wild-type non-small cell lung cancer; platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; and endometrial cancer (NCT07444814). Key preclinical findings include: High-affinity binding and efficient internalization across a range of PTK7 expression levels. Demonstrates potent binding, internalization and tumor cell-killing in a range of solid cancer cell lines.

Exhibits bystander activity and produces tumor regressions at doses as low as 1 mg/kg in small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer models. Demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics and is well tolerated in non-human primates with an HNSTD of 60 mg/kg (the maximal dose tested). Demonstrates high stability with free payload of 0.0067% AUC detected in circulation.

'Preclinical assessment of HWK-016, a next-generation, MUC16-targeting ADC with novel bioconjugation and linker-payload technology' (Minisymposium Oral Presentation #1324). HWK-016 targets the non-shed extracellular domain of MUC16 to avoid binding to circulating CA125 and associated antigen sink effects observed with earlier MUC16-directed ADCs. HWK-016 is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with advanced ovarian and endometrial cancers (NCT07470853).

Key preclinical findings include: Selectively binds membrane-bound MUC16 to ensure delivery to the tumor instead of circulating CA125. Demonstrates potent binding, internalization and tumor cell-killing, and is minimally impacted by exogenous CA125. Exhibits bystander activity, and produces tumor regressions at doses as low as 1 mg/kg in ovarian cancer xenograft models that shed high levels of CA125.

Demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics and is well tolerated in non-human primates with an HNSTD of 60 mg/kg (the maximal dose tested).