ICON's separate survey of China-based biotechs, was based on 100 respondents. The findings highlighted that the challenges China-based biotechs face align with their global counterparts, most notably funding, and the complexity of drug development and regulations. Cardiovascular and oncology remain the top therapeutic focus areas in China, in contrast to the global shift toward neurology. However, cell therapy, microbiome therapies, and ADCs dominate pipelines across all regions. Respondents in China also r ...

Core Insights - Akari Therapeutics has formed a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and appointed Dr. Sara Hurvitz as its inaugural member, which is a significant step in advancing the company's scientific and clinical strategy [2][4] Company Overview - Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company focused on developing novel payload antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) [1][9] - The company is expanding its ADC pipeline to include multiple targets, such as AKTX-101, which is a Trop2 ADC with a PH1 payload, and future programs like AKTX-102 with an undisclosed target [8][9] Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Sara Hurvitz is an internationally recognized expert in oncology, particularly in the clinical development of ADCs and targeted therapies for breast cancer [4][6] - She currently serves as Professor of Medicine and Division Head of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and has a distinguished career in leading global clinical trials [5][6] Scientific Contributions - Dr. Hurvitz's expertise includes management of cancers at all stages, with a focus on neoadjuvant treatments and targeted therapies for various breast cancer types [2][4] - She has emphasized the transformative impact of ADCs in oncology, particularly in breast cancer, and is optimistic about Akari's preclinical data [2][4] Product Development - Akari's lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells and utilizes a novel PH1 payload designed to disrupt RNA splicing, which has shown significant activity in preclinical studies [9] - The company aims to advance its lead asset and other undisclosed targets with this innovative payload, which has demonstrated potential synergy with checkpoint inhibitors [9]