BioAtla and GATC Health to advance Oz-V in Phase III trial

Core Insights - BioAtla and GATC Health have initiated a $40 million special purpose vehicle (SPV) transaction to advance Ozuriftamab vedotin (Oz-V) into a Phase III trial for second-line and later oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) [1] - BioAtla will receive an initial payment of $5 million from Inversagen AI, which is focused on age-related disease research, to cover general operating and trial expenses [1] - The remaining $35 million is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, coinciding with the launch of the Oz-V registrational clinical study [3] Company and Partnership Details - Inversagen AI was formed by GATC Health and Inversagen, holding exclusive license rights to senescence AI longevity technologies and BioAtla's conditionally active biologic (CAB) technologies [2] - Upon completion of the transaction, Inversagen AI will own a 35% stake in Oz-V, while BioAtla retains 65% ownership across all Oz-V solid tumor indications [3] - BioAtla and GATC Health will collaborate with Inversagen AI on research and development of CAB senolytic therapies, while BioAtla maintains rights to cancer therapeutic applications [4] Future Developments - BioAtla anticipates beginning enrollment for the Phase III pivotal trial in early 2026, with a clear registrational path and potential for accelerated approval in the US [4] - Discussions are ongoing with potential partners to expand the application of Oz-V into HPV-positive solid tumors, including cervical cancer [4] - In July 2025, BioAtla presented Phase I study data for its anti-cancer therapy, BA3182, targeting treatment-refractory metastatic adenocarcinoma [4]