TAMPA – October 27, 2026 -- Akari Therapeutics (Nasdaq: AKTX) is planning preclinical studies that pair its PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload with Whitehawk Therapeutics' topoisomerase I inhibitor (TOP1i) ADC platform, CEO Abizer Gaslightwala said in a Virtual Investor "What This Means" interview.
Whitehawk studies target dual-payload synergy
The preclinical work is designed to assess synergy between the two payload classes and to generate data that could support future development of next-generation ADCs. The announcement does not disclose financial terms for the collaboration.
Gaslightwala said recent strategic transactions show the market placing growing value on novel payload innovation. Akari argues PH1 extends beyond conventional payload approaches, and management believes the Whitehawk tie-up supports the platform's broad applicability across future oncology programs.
"We believe Akari is uniquely positioned to help shape the next generation of ADCs," Gaslightwala said.
Akari's lead ADC AKTX-101 is in IND-enabling studies with first-in-human targeted by mid-2027
AKTX-101 targets the Trop2 receptor and carries PH1, which disrupts RNA splicing in cancer cells. Current ADCs typically use microtubule inhibitors or DNA-damaging agents. In preclinical models, Akari reports that AKTX-101 prolonged survival versus ADCs with traditional payloads, both as a single agent and combined with checkpoint inhibitors.
Akari also reports PH1 activity against cancer cells carrying oncogenic drivers including KRAS, BRAF, ARV7 and FGFR3 fusions. The company is developing a second candidate, AKTX-102, which targets CEACAM5, a tumor antigen expressed across multiple solid tumors.
The company's forward-looking statements cite the need for additional capital, potential development delays, and possible supply-chain interruptions from tariffs as risks to its programs.