VERAXA Biotech (NASDAQ: VRXA) announced on Monday that its bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) program, VXA-222, has reached a key technical milestone under its collaboration with OmniAb. The advancement allows the program to move into its next phase, bringing the potential therapy closer to clinical development.
VXA-222 is designed to target two tumor antigens simultaneously using an “AND-gate” approach, which aims to improve precision in treating solid tumors. The bispecific mechanism is intended to ensure that the drug only activates when both targets are present, potentially reducing off-target effects common with traditional ADCs.
The collaboration, launched in May 2025, leverages OmniAb’s antibody discovery technologies, including its OmniClic platform, alongside VERAXA’s proprietary linker technology and conjugation expertise. Under the agreement, VERAXA holds exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products arising from the collaboration, while OmniAb is entitled to a share of specified revenue from resulting products.
“Reaching this milestone demonstrates the strength of our partnership with OmniAb and the potential of our bispecific ADC platform,” said a VERAXA spokesperson. “VXA-222 represents a novel approach to targeting solid tumors, and we are excited to advance it toward the clinic.”
VERAXA, founded on scientific breakthroughs from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), focuses on next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific T cell engagers and bispecific ADCs. The company’s pipeline is built on its BiTAC format and rigorous quality-by-design principles.
The advancement of VXA-222 comes amid growing interest in bispecific ADCs as a way to improve the therapeutic index of cancer treatments. By engaging two targets, these molecules can potentially enhance tumor specificity and reduce damage to healthy tissues. The AND-gate logic used in VXA-222 adds an extra layer of control, requiring the presence of both antigens for the drug to be active.
Investors and analysts will be watching for further updates on the program as VERAXA moves toward preclinical and clinical studies. The company’s newsroom provides the latest news and updates on its progress.
Forward-looking statements in the announcement highlight risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in VERAXA’s SEC filings. The company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.
