Celltrion unveiled preclinical results for its multispecific immuno‑oncology candidate CT‑P72/ABP‑102 at the SITC 2025 conference in Maryland, U.S., taking place Nov. 5–9, the company announced on Nov. 5.
CT‑P72/ABP‑102, co‑developed by Celltrion and U.S. partner Abpro, is a next‑generation multispecific T‑cell engager (TCE) that simultaneously targets HER2 on tumor cells and CD3 on T cells to direct immune clearance of cancer cells.
In preclinical studies, CT‑P72/ABP‑102 showed selective antitumor activity against HER2‑high tumors in a dual xenograft mouse model containing tumors with differing HER2 expression levels. Toxicology studies in nonhuman primates reported no notable adverse effects up to the highest tested dose (80 mg/kg), supporting a favorable safety profile.
Celltrion attributed the compound’s efficacy and safety to its distinctive structural design: reduced binding affinity to prevent T‑cell engagement with HER2‑low normal cells while maintaining strong, specific binding to HER2‑high tumor cells. Binding to CD3 was also tuned to minimize toxicity while eliciting optimal T‑cell activation, producing an expanded therapeutic index compared with existing HER2‑targeted TCEs and positioning CT‑P72/ABP‑102 as a potential best‑in‑class candidate.
Notably, the candidate demonstrated meaningful tumor growth inhibition in models of resistance to the HER2‑targeted agent ENHERTU, suggesting potential as a new treatment option for resistant tumors.
The study was selected among the “Top 150” abstracts out of roughly 1,300 submissions to SITC, recognizing its novelty and scientific contribution. Based on these preclinical results, Celltrion plans to file investigational new drug (IND) applications with domestic and international regulatory authorities within the year and advance into clinical development.
A Celltrion spokesperson said, “CT‑P72/ABP‑102 demonstrated outstanding efficacy and safety in preclinical studies and received strong recognition from the scientific community. We aim to progress through clinical trials to develop a next‑generation, best‑in‑class HER2 immuno‑oncology therapy.”
