Title: TMAC™: A novel affimer® drug conjugate platform to modulate the TME

Abstract:

The Affimer platform is an antibody mimetic scaffold based on the human protease inhibitor, Stefin A and we have generated a range of antagonists against several key checkpoints such PD-L1. With our anti-PDL1 Affimer Fc we have demonstrated total tumour regression in mouse syngeneic models in combination with Talabostat and immunity to rechallenge with tumour cells, showing that we have achieved an immune memory response. Conjugating talabostat to an affimer antagonist using a novel FAP-alpha cleavable linker (TMAC™), we have demonstrated tolerability and efficacy in mouse syngeneic models.

Biography:

Amrik has a PhD in biochemistry/protein engineering from the university of leicester after which he spent 6 years at the Institute of Biotechnology, Cambridge University investigating bacterial pathways involved with the metabolism of illicit drugs and high explosives. In 2002, Amrik joined domantis Ltd developing domain antibodies. Following the acquisition of domantis by GSK, he became head of topical delivery (Biopharm Discovery Unit), supporting the development of biotherapeutics for delivery into the eye, skin and lung. In 2013 he joined Avacta as chief scientific officer to develop the Affimer platform for therapeutic use.