On World Cancer Day (WCD), Affibody highlights its progress in next-generation Radioligand Therapies (RLTs) designed for precise tumor targeting. Its pipeline includes HER2-targeting ABY-271, currently in a first-in-human study for metastatic breast cancer, and ABY‑071, which targets the tumor-associated antigen B7‑H3 across multiple cancers.

Through strategic collaborations with academic hospitals, nuclear medicine centres, and the Theranostics Trial Center, Affibody is advancing both clinical development and the broader theranostics ecosystem. Discover Pharma asked David Bejker, president and CEO, a couple of questions about what they could highlight for WCD.

What recent research, therapy, or patient support initiatives from your company are making a real impact in oncology?

Affibody is deeply committed to advancing oncology care through the development of next-generation Radioligand Therapies (RLTs) designed to deliver highly selective tumor targeting across a wide range of cancers.

Affibody molecules represent a novel class of small, engineered proteins that can be conjugated to radioisotopes. This enables selective targeting of surface proteins on cancer cells and precise delivery of radiation to the tumor site without harming normal tissue.

Our growing RLT pipeline is focused on oncology indications with high unmet medical need. Our lead RLT candidate, ABY-271, is a HER2-targeting Affibody molecule conjugated to lutetium-177 which is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human clinical study in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Promising initial results from the first cohort of patients demonstrated tumor targeting and a favorable safety profile with low uptake in kidneys and other critical organs.

Our second RLT candidate, ABY‑071, targets B7‑H3, a tumor‑associated antigen highly expressed across multiple cancers while showing limited expression in normal tissues. ABY‑071, labeled with lutetium‑177, has demonstrated favorable biodistribution, strong tumor‑to‑organ ratios, and compelling antitumor efficacy in preclinical models.

Looking ahead, we are continuing to broaden our oncology pipeline by leveraging the versatility of the Affibody platform to pursue additional radioligand targets in areas with high unmet medical need. In addition to ABY-271 progressing in the clinic and ABY-071 advancing through IND-enabling development, our discovery scientists are building a robust and diversified RLT portfolio aimed at delivering more precise, effective, and safer treatment options for patients.

How is your organisation collaborating to advance cancer awareness, prevention, or treatment?

At Affibody, collaboration is central for our progress. We work closely with leading academic hospitals, nuclear medicine centres, and oncology specialists who play an essential role in bringing our Radioligand Therapy (RLT) programs forward. We have a long-standing collaboration with Uppsala University providing unique access to world-class RLT laboratories, animal facilities, and radiochemistry expertise. Furthermore, Affibody collaborates with Theranostics Trial Center (TTC), which is a highly specialized research center that gathers excellence in target-directed cancer treatments. The center is a joint venture of Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet and focuses on early-phase clinical trials of radiolabeled targeted drugs for diagnosing and treating cancer patients.

Affibody is also proud to be part of building a theranostics trial network, The Theranostic Trial Alliance (TTA), to further the theranostics ecosystem. TTA is collaborative effort involving Swedish hospitals, researchers, academia, pharmaceutical companies, and the Life Sciences sector to promote the development and clinical implementation of targeted radiotherapeutics and image-guided diagnostics.