Recognized expert in cancer biology, RNA biology and translational therapeutics with 20 years of experience in preclinical oncology drug discovery and developmentTAMPA, Fla. and LONDON, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel immuno-oncology payloads, today announced the appointment of Prafulla Gokhale, Ph.D., Director of the Experimental Therapeutics Core and the Lurie Family Imaging Ce ...

Core Viewpoint - Akari Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Olga Anczukow to its Scientific Advisory Board, enhancing its expertise in RNA biology and cancer research, which is crucial for the development of next-generation therapeutics [1][2][4] Company Overview - Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company focused on developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a unique payload, PH1, that targets RNA splicing in cancer cells [9] - The lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and utilizes a proprietary linker to deliver the PH1 payload directly into tumors, minimizing off-target effects [9] - AKTX-101 has shown significant activity in preclinical studies, demonstrating prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs and potential synergy with checkpoint inhibitors [9] Dr. Olga Anczukow's Background - Dr. Anczukow is a recognized leader in RNA biology and cancer research, currently serving as an Associate Professor at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and a Co-Program Leader at the NCI-designated Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center [4][6] - Her research focuses on alternative RNA splicing and its misregulation in cancer, contributing to tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance [4][6] - Dr. Anczukow's previous work includes significant contributions to understanding breast cancer genetics and the role of RNA splicing in cancer biology [5][6] Research and Development Focus - The company aims to leverage Dr. Anczukow's expertise to shape research strategy and evaluate emerging scientific opportunities, particularly in RNA-targeted treatments [2][4] - Akari's innovative ADC discovery platform allows for the generation and optimization of ADC candidates tailored to specific antigen targets [9] - The ongoing research at The Jackson Laboratory integrates various methodologies to investigate how cancer cells adapt their splicing programs to survive and evade therapy [6]

Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics is set to present at the 2026 Biocom Global Partnering & Investor Conference, highlighting its focus on oncology biotechnology and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel immuno-oncology payloads [1][2]. Company Overview - Akari Therapeutics specializes in developing next-generation ADCs, particularly focusing on a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing [3]. - The lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and utilizes a proprietary linker to deliver the PH1 payload directly into tumors, minimizing off-target effects [3]. - PH1 is a spliceosome modulator designed to disrupt RNA splicing in cancer cells, showing potential to induce cancer cell death while activating both innate and adaptive immune responses [3]. - Preclinical studies indicate that AKTX-101 has significant activity and prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs, with potential synergy when combined with checkpoint inhibitors [3]. - The company has initiated IND enabling studies for AKTX-101, aiming to start its First-In-Human trial by late 2026 or early 2027 [3]. - Akari is also developing AKTX-102, targeting CEACAM5, a tumor antigen expressed in various solid tumors, leveraging the PH1 payload for enhanced tumor cell killing and immune activation [3].

Advancing Antibody Drug Conjugates With Novel Immuno-Oncology Payloads Forward-Looking Statements This presentation includes expressed or implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), about the Akari Therapeutics, Plc (the "Company") that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of the Company. Actual events or re ...

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Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics is expanding its antibody drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline and intellectual property strategy, as discussed by CEO Abizer Gaslightwala in a recent virtual investor interview [2][4] - The company is advancing its lead ADC program, AKTX-101, towards Investigational New Drug (IND) and Clinical Trial Application (CTA) submissions, aiming for first-in-human studies by late 2026 or early 2027 [4][6] ADC Pipeline Expansion - Akari has introduced AKTX-102, its second ADC candidate targeting CEACAM5-expressing solid tumors, highlighting the scalability of its PH1-powered ADC platform [3][4] - The company’s differentiated approach to CEACAM5 involves a novel antibody construct combined with the PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload [4] Intellectual Property Strategy - The recent patent filing is a significant milestone that supports Akari's long-term value creation and potential partnering opportunities [3][4] - The growing patent estate is strategically important for the company as it seeks to enhance its market position and protect its innovations [4] Lead Program Details - AKTX-101 targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and utilizes a proprietary linker to deliver the PH1 payload directly into tumors, minimizing off-target effects [6] - Preclinical studies indicate that AKTX-101 has significant activity and prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs, with potential synergy with checkpoint inhibitors [6]

Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics is expanding its antibody drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline and intellectual property strategy, as discussed by CEO Abizer Gaslightwala in a recent virtual investor interview [2][4] - The company is advancing its lead ADC program, AKTX-101, towards IND and CTA submissions, aiming for first-in-human studies by late 2026 or early 2027 [4][6] ADC Pipeline Expansion - Akari has introduced AKTX-102, its second ADC candidate targeting CEACAM5-expressing solid tumors, highlighting the scalability of its PH1-powered ADC platform [3][4] - The company’s differentiated approach to CEACAM5 involves a novel antibody construct combined with the PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload [4] Intellectual Property Strategy - The recent patent filing underscores the strategic importance of Akari's growing patent estate, which supports long-term value creation and potential partnering opportunities [4] - The company aims to leverage its innovative ADC discovery platform to generate and optimize ADC candidates for various antigen targets [6] Lead Program Details - AKTX-101 targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells, utilizing a proprietary linker to deliver the PH1 payload directly into tumors with minimal off-target effects [6] - Preclinical studies indicate that AKTX-101 has significant activity and prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs, with potential synergy with checkpoint inhibitors [6]

Summary of Akari Therapeutics Update Call Company Overview - **Company**: Akari Therapeutics - **Ticker**: AKTX (listed on NASDAQ) [5] Key Developments - **New Patent Filing**: Akari announced the filing of a key new patent and unveiled its second ADC pipeline candidate, AKTX-102, targeting CEACAM5 expressing solid tumors [5][20] - **Lead Program**: The lead ADC, AKTX-101, is progressing towards IND (Investigational New Drug) submission and first-in-human clinical studies [13][20] Core Insights - **ADC Pipeline Expansion**: The introduction of AKTX-102 demonstrates the scalability of Akari's PH1-powered ADC platform, indicating the potential to create a library of differentiated ADC molecules [8][9] - **Unique Targeting Approach**: CEACAM5 is a challenging oncology target due to its shedding into the blood, complicating effective targeting. Akari has developed a novel antibody design to address these challenges, providing a competitive advantage [11][12] - **Focus on Lead Program**: AKTX-101 remains the primary focus, with IND-enabling activities underway, targeting a filing by the end of 2026 [13][20] Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy - **Growing IP Portfolio**: The recent patent filing expands Akari's IP estate, which includes unique antibody designs and modes of action for their payloads. This is expected to support long-term value creation and potential partnerships [17][19] - **Previous Patents**: Akari filed three patents last year, including protections for the composition of matter for their RNA splicing targeting payload, PH1 [19] Future Milestones - **Key Milestones**: - Targeting IND or CTA filing by the end of 2026 to initiate a first-in-human phase 1 study [20][21] - Initial clinical data readout expected within 18 months, focusing on safety and potential efficacy [21][22] - **Ongoing Development**: Akari will continue to present compelling preclinical data and engage with regulators throughout the year [22] Conclusion - Akari Therapeutics is positioned for significant developments in 2026, with a focus on advancing its ADC pipeline and expanding its intellectual property portfolio, which could lead to valuable partnerships and long-term growth [23]

Core Viewpoint - Akari Therapeutics is advancing its next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a focus on its proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload, aiming to initiate first-in-human trials for its lead program, AKTX-101, by late 2026 or early 2027 [2][4]. Company Overview - Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company specializing in ADCs that utilize a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing [4]. - The company has developed a platform that allows for the generation and optimization of ADC candidates tailored to specific antigen targets [4]. Lead Programs - The lead program, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and is designed to deliver the PH1 payload directly to tumors with minimal off-target effects [2][4]. - AKTX-101 has shown significant activity in preclinical studies, leading to prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs [4]. - The company is also advancing AKTX-102, another ADC program focused on gastrointestinal (GI) and lung cancers [2][4]. Upcoming Events - Akari Therapeutics will participate in the Corporate Connect Webinar Series hosted by Webull Financial on February 10-11, 2026, where CEO Abizer Gaslightwala will present a corporate overview and updates on the company's programs [1][3].

Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics is expanding its pipeline with a new ADC candidate, AKTX-102, targeting CEACAM5, a significant solid tumor marker in oncology [1][3] - The company has filed a U.S. provisional patent application for AKTX-102, which utilizes a proprietary PH1 spliceosome payload to enhance therapeutic efficacy [1][5] Pipeline and Product Development - AKTX-102 is designed to address CEACAM5, which is expressed in 80-90% of gastrointestinal cancers and has been linked to aggressive cancer subtypes [2][4] - The ADC combines a novel antibody construct with the PH1 payload, aiming to improve tumor cell killing and activate immune responses [3][4] Intellectual Property and Innovation - The new patent filing enhances Akari's intellectual property portfolio, which includes previous filings focused on novel mechanisms and combination strategies [5][6] - Akari's patent estate is expected to support the development of multiple first- and best-in-class ADC candidates across various cancer targets [6] Market Opportunity and Challenges - CEACAM5 has been a challenging target in oncology due to its complex biology, but Akari's approach aims to overcome these hurdles [7][8] - The company’s strategy includes addressing CEACAM5's role as an immunosuppressive checkpoint, which has historically limited therapeutic success [8][9] Clinical Development and Future Plans - Akari is advancing its lead program, AKTX-101, towards IND/CTA submission and first-in-human trials, with a goal to initiate by late 2026 or early 2027 [10][13] - The company is also pursuing partnerships to leverage its unique PH1 payload and ADC approach [13]