Adcytherix Launches First-In-Human Trial For ADCX-020 As Company Strengthens Executive Team And Eyes Global ADC Expansion

Adcytherix, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 1 clinical trial of ADCX-020, the company’s most advanced drug candidate built from its proprietary ADCX Engine.

The Phase 1 study is an open-label trial designed to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and initial anti-tumor activity of ADCX-020 in patients with advanced solid tumors. It will begin with a dose-escalation phase and then move into dose-optimization and selected cohort expansion for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. This first dose marks a significant step forward for Adcytherix, officially transitioning the company into a clinical-stage organization.

ADCX-020 was created to overcome several key limitations often seen with earlier generations of ADCs. Its design features a highly stable linker combined with a clinically validated payload class, allowing for a potentially improved therapeutic index and wider usability across multiple tumor types. This reflects the company’s focus on developing ADCs that offer stronger performance, better tolerability, and more consistent results for patients.

Speaking on the clinical progress, Jan Schellens, Chief Medical Officer of Adcytherix, noted that the launch of ADCX-020’s first-in-human study highlights both the robustness of the company’s scientific model and the speed at which its development programs are advancing. He explained that the Phase 1a/b study is structured to generate essential safety and pharmacokinetic data, which will guide further development. Ultimately, the goal is to bring forward new therapeutic options for patients facing cancers with high unmet medical need.

ADCX-020 includes a stable linker system paired with an exatecan-derived topoisomerase I inhibitor. The rapid progression to first-patient dosing—achieved in less than two years since Adcytherix was founded—demonstrates the company’s efficient development strategy and marks the first clinical validation of its approach. Alongside ADCX-020, the company continues to advance additional programs targeting clinically validated antigens, incorporating payloads with diverse and novel mechanisms of action. These efforts are part of Adcytherix’s broader objective to build a robust and diverse ADC pipeline.

Jack Elands, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, described the first administration of ADCX-020 as a defining moment for the company. He emphasized that this milestone reflects Adcytherix’s ability to turn strong scientific insight into a tangible clinical program and signals that the company is fully prepared for the next stage of clinical development.

To support its growing pipeline and clinical operations, Adcytherix has expanded its leadership team. Paul Jackson has joined as Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive experience in ADC technologies, development planning, and organizational scale-up. He has previously led innovative payload platform teams and overseen programs moving from preclinical stages into clinical readiness.

Additionally, Magali Gibou has been appointed Chief Regulatory & Quality Officer. She brings deep expertise in global regulatory strategy and quality systems for advanced biopharmaceutical products, having guided multiple programs through complex regulatory interactions and clinical-stage progression. Together, Jackson and Gibou are expected to play key roles in strengthening Adcytherix’s operational, regulatory, and quality foundations while advancing its pipeline.

Adcytherix has also appointed Simon Sturge as Independent Chairman of the Board, adding further depth to the company's governance as it moves into a new phase of growth. Sturge brings more than 40 years of global leadership experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, having held senior executive positions, CEO roles, and board chairmanships across leading life sciences organizations.

With its first clinical trial underway, a reinforced leadership structure, and a solid financial position following its €105 million Series A funding round, Adcytherix is well positioned for its next stage of expansion. The company plans to advance ADCX-020 through clinical development while continuing to build a differentiated ADC franchise targeting a broad range of oncology indications. Its long-term ambition is to become a global leader in next-generation ADC therapeutics.