Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics has appointed Mark F. Kubik as Head of Business Development - Oncology, leveraging his extensive experience in oncology therapeutics and transformative deal-making [1][2][3] Company Overview - Akari Therapeutics is focused on developing next-generation spliceosome payload antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) [6] - The lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and utilizes a proprietary linker to deliver a novel PH1 payload directly into tumors [6][7] Leadership and Expertise - Mark F. Kubik brings over 25 years of experience in the oncology sector, having held leadership roles at various companies including I-MAB Biopharma, Genor Biopharma, and Actinium Pharmaceuticals [2][4] - His previous achievements include leading a transaction that resulted in OncoImmune being sold to Merck for $425 million upfront [4] Product Development - AKTX-101 is positioned as a first-in-class immuno-oncology ADC therapy, with preclinical studies indicating significant activity and prolonged survival compared to traditional ADCs [7] - The novel PH1 payload is designed to disrupt RNA splicing within cancer cells, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy and synergy with checkpoint inhibitors [7] Market Positioning - There is increasing interest from Big Pharma in early-stage ADCs, highlighting the potential for Akari to capitalize on this trend with its innovative ADC platform [4]
Akari Therapeutics Appoints Mark F. Kubik as Head of Business Development - Oncology