Adagene at H.C. Wainwright conference: higher-dose CTLA-4 push

Adagene, a company specializing in cancer therapies, presented at the H.C. Wainwright 28th Annual Global Investment Conference to discuss its masked CTLA-4 drug, ADG126, and its potential to expand the reach of cancer treatments. The drug, developed using Adagene's SAFEbody platform, can be administered at higher doses while maintaining a low discontinuation rate due to adverse events.

In a microsatellite stable colorectal cancer study, ADG126 showed confirmed response rates ranging from 15% to 36% and median overall survival of approximately 20 months at a 10 mg/kg dose. Despite these promising results, the stock price of Adagene remains volatile, trading below its 52-week high. The company is currently conducting a randomized phase II study, called Project Optimus, with data expected in the first half of 2027.

Adagene is also exploring partnerships with Sanofi and Incyte to expand its platform to other cancer types and drug classes. The company's Chief Strategy Officer, Mickael Chane-Du, emphasized the safety and efficacy advantages of ADG126 compared to older CTLA-4 inhibitors.