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Dr. John Luk, CEO“Our vision is to accelerate the development of multifunctional antibody-based medicines through innovative R&D and proprietary immunotherapeutic platforms,” emphasizes Dr. John Luk, CEO of Arbele. The company’s philosophy is based on three pillars: advanced innovation—by designing solutions that break through technical or production barriers; health enhancement- -by concentrating on the delivery of immunotherapeutics possessing multiple anti-tumor mechanisms leading to greater therapeutic benefit, substantially prolonging survival; and social impact- -by maximizing the availability of effective cancer treatments worldwide.
Arbele’s proprietary technology platforms are designed to generate therapeutics with multiple mechanisms of anti-tumor activity to effectively convert an immunosuppressed solid-tumor environment to an inflammatory tumoricidal environment. These therapeutics include multispecific and multi-functional antibodies and NK/T CAR cells.
Arbele’s multi-specific antibody-based platform TriAxTM, with its flexible, modular technology, enables the optimization of multiple anti-tumor mechanisms including T-cell mediated cytotoxicity, macrophage-dependent phagocytosis, inhibition of immune check points and “don’t-eat me” antagonists. A phase 1 clinical trial for the most developed T cell engaging antibody targeting CDH17 (ARB202) is planned for early 2021.
The proprietary AI-CARTM NK/T platform using cord blood-derived stem cells is being developed as an off-the-shelf and “flash” three day needle-to-needle biomanufacturing of CAR-NK/T cells (ARB001).
The AI-CARTM and TriAxTM platforms enable production of new medicines equipped with multiple mechanisms of action and thus the synergy currently observed with certain combination therapies. Combining these into a single drug streamlines biomanufacturing and reduces the cost of drug production. TriAxTM overcomes the limitations of bispecific antibodies and off-the shelf AI-CARTM shortens the time to treatment. The flagship program of Arbele has been the bispecific T-cell engager targeting novel and/or clinically-validated cancer markers to treat advanced GI cancers. The company is generating a battery of innovative multi-specific, antibody-based biologics by exploiting and manufacturing TriAxTM biologics. Arbele owns a proprietary novel cancer target, Cadherin-17 (CDH17, or CA17), which is highly prevalent in GI cancers, ranging from 50 percent in pancreatic and stomach cancers to over 90 percent in colorectal cancers. Collaborating with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies to provide drugs offering complementary mechanisms, Arbele’s combination therapies with other FDA-approved drugs will maximize cancer cures and create a win-win business strategy to global healthcare companies.
Arbele’s exciting pipeline includes developing companion diagnostics for personalized treatment to select patients who will receive utmost benefit from its immunotherapies. Arbele focuses on personalized medicine based on innovative DNA sequencing/detection techniques, genetic vaccine and stem cell therapies, immune cell functions for autoimmune diseases and cancers, big data and AI in digital health, drug development and disease interception and acceleration of clinical trials and breakthrough drug approvals. “Science is our foundation, patient safety is our high bar, and therapeutic efficacy is our priority,” states Luk. Based on its deep knowledge and successful industry track record in drug development, Arbele envisages fast-tracking the approval of innovative medicines.
En route to bringing online innovative, safe, and effective cures for advanced GI cancers, Arbele is seeking strategic partnerships to accelerate the co-development of CDH17 drug candidates in major markets. In addition, its proprietary immunotherapeutic platforms, TriAxTM and AI-CARTM, are open to out-licensing and collaboration for new molecule discovery across various therapeutic areas.
Arbele News
Arbele celebrates its 7th anniversary as a clinical-stage immunotherapy biotech and the opening of TibTech, its cancer diagnostics subsidiary
Arbele was founded with the mission to develop innovative immunotherapy and breakthrough diagnostics and provide early intervention and treatment for people with gastrointestinal cancers for which effective treatment options are limited. Its lead asset, ARB202, a CDH17xCD3 bispecific T-cell engager, is successfully progressing in a dose escalation Phase I study (NCT05411133) being conducted in Australia and Hong Kong.
To accelerate the development of tissue and blood diagnostics and, ultimately, address the unmet medical needs globally, Arbele is establishing TibTech at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. The company is also leveraging the Greater Bay Area synergy by entering the Guangzhou International Bio Island through the Sino-Israel incubator.
"I am thrilled to witness the growth of Arbele from a drug discovery startup to now a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, with multiple, high-potential products in, or entering human clinical trials. Creativity is the spirit, and science-driven innovations are the foundation for our success. Our vision is to provide the best care and medicines for patients in great need," said Dr. John Luk, DMedSc, EMBA, Founder and CEO, Arbele.
"TibTech is focused on developing advanced in vitro diagnostic assays to detect, diagnose, and monitor gastrointestinal cancers. We are utilizing ARB202 to develop companion diagnostics tests to define the most appropriate patient population. TibTech aims to combine our scientific and technological expertise with clinical insights from ongoing trials to create both LDTs and IVDs that can significantly impact patients' lives," said Dr. Stella Sun, Scientific Director of TibTech.