ASP2138 — Investigational Agent
Bispecific Antibody · Phase 1 · Astellas Pharma
Mechanism of Action
ASP2138 is a CLDN18.2 x CD3 bispecific T-cell engaging antibody designed with high specificity for a conformational epitope of Claudin18.2 to minimize binding to closely related Claudin18.1. One arm engages CLDN18.2 on gastric, GEJ, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells while the CD3 arm recruits and activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cross-linking forms an immunologic synapse that drives T-cell activation, granzyme/perforin release, and MHC-independent tumor lysis. Its epitope selectivity aims to widen the therapeutic window relative to earlier CLDN18.2 engagers.
Investigational Indications
- CLDN18.2-positive gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma
- CLDN18.2-positive pancreatic adenocarcinoma