Alfa Cytology specializes in the development of claudin18.2 inhibitors for use against pancreatic cancer (PC). Our services are dedicated to preclinical research and provide comprehensive solutions aimed at advancing the development of innovative therapies.
Introduction to Claudin18.2
Claudin18.2 is a specific isoform of the Claudin-18 protein, encoded by the CLDN18 gene located on chromosome 3q22. Claudin-18 belongs to the claudin family, which comprises transmembrane proteins integral to the structure and function of tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells. Claudin-18.2 is involved in the regulation of paracellular permeability and cellular adhesion. It participates in signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways, which are crucial for cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
Fig. 1 Representation of Claudin18.2 in gastric cancer cells, and structure and interaction with anti-Claudin18.2 Zolbetuximab—designed in Biorender. (Mathias-Machado MC, et al, 2024)
Dysregulation of Claudin18.2 and its associated pathways can lead to pathophysiological conditions including cancer, making it a target for oncology, particularly in gastric and pancreatic cancers.
Claudin18.2 Inhibitor Development for Pancreatic Cancer
Claudin18.2 inhibitors target and bind to the Claudin18.2 protein in cancer cells, disrupting cellular adhesion and signaling pathways, and ultimately leading to the selective destruction of pancreatic cancer cells. Current investigations are focused on several promising candidates in various stages of the drug development pipeline. These drugs are being actively investigated to assess their therapeutic efficacy, safety, and potential to provide new therapeutic options for patients with pancreatic cancer expressing Claudin18.2.
| Claudin18.2 Inhibitor | Molecular Type | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Zolbetuximab (IMAB362) | Monoclonal antibody | Claudin18.2 |
| TJ-CD4B (ABL001) | Bispecific antibody | Claudin18.2 |
| CLDN18.2-CAR T cells | CAR T-cell therapy | Claudin18.2 |
| BNT141 | mRNA-based therapeutic | Claudin18.2 |
| IMU-131 (HER-Vaxx) | Peptide vaccine | Claudin18.2 |
| STRO-002 | Antibody-drug conjugate | Claudin18.2 |
Our Services
By utilizing cutting-edge research and advanced technologies, Alfa Cytology provides comprehensive solutions for the development of Claudin18.2 inhibitors, including target validation, compound screening, in vitro and in vivo testing, and data analysis, designed to help researchers address critical needs in preclinical studies.
One-Stop Solutions for Claudin18.2 Inhibitor Development
Alfa Cytology's services include the development of Claudin18.2 Inhibitors across multiple molecule types, including but not limited to the following:
Designed to specifically bind the CLDN18.2 antigen expressed on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells. These antibodies can induce an immune response against cancer cells or directly inhibit tumor growth.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
consists of monoclonal antibodies conjugated to cytotoxic drugs. These conjugates deliver the drug directly to CLDN18.2-expressing cancer cells, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity.
Designed to recognize two different antigens, one of which is CLDN18.2. These antibodies bind to both cancer cells and immune cells, bringing them into close proximity and enhancing the immune response to the tumor.
Targeting and killing CLDN18.2-expressing cancer cells involves modifying the patient's T cells to express receptors that recognize CLDN18.2.
Process of Claudin18.2 Inhibitor Development
Target Identification and Validation
Validate Claudin18.2 as a viable target using genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics approaches to ensure specificity and relevance to pancreatic cancer.
Claudin18.2 Inhibitor Design and Optimization
Design and optimize inhibitors using structure-based drug design and medicinal chemistry approaches to enhance potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
Drug Screening
Screen a diverse library of compounds or antibodies against Claudin18.2 to identify candidates with high binding affinity and potential therapeutic efficacy.
Preclinical Evaluation
Conduct comprehensive preclinical studies to assess inhibitor efficacy in tumor models, evaluate drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and ADME properties, and ensure safety profiles meet regulatory standards.
Alfa Cytology's Claudin18.2 inhibitor development service for pancreatic cancer is designed to advance the discovery and preclinical validation of novel therapeutic agents. Our comprehensive suite of preclinical services includes high-throughput screening, mechanistic studies, in vitro and in vivo assays, and biomarker development, etc. For more information and to discuss collaboration opportunities, please contact contact us.
Reference
- Mathias-Machado MC, et al. Claudin 18.2 as a New Biomarker in Gastric Cancer—What Should We Know? Cancers. 2024, 16(3):679.
