Akari Therapeutics Highlights Whitehawk Collaboration To Advance Next-Generation ADC Development

Akari Therapeutics Plc, an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) using novel RNA splicing modulator payloads, has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Abizer Gaslightwala, participated in a Virtual Investor "What This Means" interview to discuss the Company's recently announced strategic research collaboration with Whitehawk Therapeutics.

During the interview, Gaslightwala explained the importance of the collaboration and how it provides an opportunity to evaluate Akari's proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload technology in combination with Whitehawk Therapeutics' topoisomerase I inhibitor (TOP1i) ADC platform. The collaboration will focus on planned preclinical studies designed to assess the potential synergy between the two payload technologies. The data generated from these studies could help support the future development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates with enhanced therapeutic potential.

Gaslightwala also discussed the growing interest across the biotechnology industry in developing differentiated ADC payload technologies. He noted that recent strategic partnerships and transactions within the sector reflect the increasing value being placed on innovative payload platforms capable of improving the effectiveness of antibody-drug conjugates. According to the Company, this shift in industry focus creates opportunities for technologies that move beyond conventional payload approaches and offer new mechanisms of action.

Commenting on the collaboration, Gaslightwala said the partnership with Whitehawk Therapeutics represents an important milestone in demonstrating the broader potential of Akari's proprietary PH1 payload platform. He stated that as the ADC field continues to evolve, the Company believes its spliceosome-modulating technology is well positioned to contribute to the development of next-generation ADCs through both internal research and strategic collaborations. He added that the collaboration supports Akari's long-term strategy of expanding the application of its platform across multiple oncology programs.

The interview also examined the scientific rationale for combining different ADC payload technologies within a single therapeutic approach. Gaslightwala discussed how dual-payload strategies may offer advantages over traditional single-payload antibody-drug conjugates by potentially expanding therapeutic opportunities and improving treatment effectiveness. He further noted that collaborations such as the one with Whitehawk Therapeutics reinforce management's confidence in the broad applicability of Akari's PH1 platform and its potential role in future cancer drug development.

Through this strategic research collaboration, Akari Therapeutics aims to further validate its proprietary payload technology while generating preclinical data that may support future clinical development opportunities and strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving ADC landscape.