BiTAC Technology
The BiTAC technology, which stands for bi-targeted tumor-associated cytotoxicity, is VERAXA latest technology platform designed to develop breakthrough antibody therapies with previously unmet safety features. Bispecific antibodies have been invented to recognize two different target molecules at the same time. The first-generation products combine both target specificities in one molecule. VERAXA is taking the concept one step further by splitting the therapeutic molecule in two complementary halves, or precursors.
In doing so, BiTACs unlock the possibility for combinatorial-gated designs and strategies leading to conditional activation of the final therapeutic effect only when and where it is intended. The technology makes next-generation antibody therapies programmable.
BiTAC TCEs
T-cell-engaging (TCE) bispecific molecules represent a significant share of all bispecific therapies currently in development. T cell engagers target and activate cytotoxic T-cells to eliminate cancer cells via signaling of the CD3 surface receptor, while also binding to a second target protein on tumor cells. While highly effective in some indications, side effects and unfavorable product characteristics continue to limit their widespread use. Especially on-target but off-tumor side effects triggering the killing of healthy cells remain a huge challenge.
VERAXA’s BiTAC version of a T cell engager is split into two complimentary antibody parts. In their isolated form, the tumor-binding capability of each BiTAC remains intact, while the CD3 binding motif is inactivated and only activated in the event of co-localization of both precursors on a tumor cell. This built-in safety feature is the key to reduce off-tumor toxicity.
BiTAC ADCs
In addition to T cell engagers, VERAXA will apply the BiTAC strategy to the development of next-generation antibody drug conjugates. BiTAC ADCs will rely on the same core principles of combinatorial-gated design and conditional activation of the full therapeutic effect at the tumor site.
The company will combine BiTACs with its suite of existing ADC technologies to forge next-generation ADC format with enhanced safety features.
Evolution of cancer therapies towards potent target specific-drugs
ADCs improve the therapeutic window by combining cytotoxic drugs with antibody targeting
Functional antibody screening
Our proprietary microfluidic platform combines single-cell analysis with droplet-based microfluidic sorting to identify functional antibodies against a broad spectrum of targets.
Learn moreADC technology
Our bioengineering technology allows to position specific conjugation sites anywhere in the antibody. Our highly efficient click chemistry is then used to conjugate our payloads at these sites yielding efficacious, uniform and safe ADCs.
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