Definition

A synthetic, small, bispecific antibody-redirecting/recruiting molecule (ARM) that recognizes the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) and cell surface glycoprotein CD38 on tumor cells with its target binding terminus (TBT) and, through connection by a tunable linker domain, recognizes endogenous antibodies already present in the patient’s blood with its universal antibody binding terminus (uABT), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, CD38-targeting ARM KP1237 simultaneously targets and binds to CD38 expressed on tumor cells with its TBT and to endogenous antibodies with its uABT. This recruits immune effector cells, such as the patient’s activated natural killer (NK) cells, to eliminate the CD38-expressing tumor cells through antitumoral antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). CD38, a type II transmembrane glycoprotein, is present on various immune cells and hematologic malignancies. Its expression has been correlated with poor prognosis.