On July 9, 2025, Avenzo Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial for AVZO-1418/DB-1418, a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate targeting EGFR and HER3. This innovative treatment aims to address advanced solid tumors and represents a significant step in the development of next-generation oncology therapies. The trial will evaluate both the safety and preliminary clinical activity of the therapy, assessing its effects as a single agent and in combination with other treatments.
This milestone follows the exclusive license agreement between Duality Biotherapeutics and Avenzo, announced on January 7, 2025. Under this agreement, Avenzo has the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AVZO-1418/DB-1418 globally, excluding Greater China. This partnership highlights the growing focus on bispecific antibody-drug conjugates, which combine the benefits of targeted therapy with the potency of cytotoxic agents to enhance treatment efficacy.
Clinical Trial Overview
The ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study is the first in humans and is designed to gather data on the tolerability and effectiveness of AVZO-1418/DB-1418. The open-label trial will enroll patients with advanced solid tumors, providing critical insights into how this novel therapy interacts with various cancer types. The dual targeting of EGFR and HER3 is particularly noteworthy, as it may offer advantages over traditional therapies that often face limitations in effectiveness and resistance.
According to the latest updates from Avenzo, the trial aims to provide valuable information on the potential role of AVZO-1418/DB-1418 in treating patients who have exhausted other treatment options. The study’s outcomes may pave the way for new treatment protocols and improve survival rates for patients with challenging cancer diagnoses.
About the Companies
Duality Biotherapeutics, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the ticker HKEX:09606, is a clinical-stage biotech firm committed to advancing cancer and autoimmune disease therapies. The company has developed several innovative antibody-drug conjugate platforms with global intellectual property rights. DualityBio is actively conducting multiple clinical trials across 17 countries and has enrolled over 2,000 patients in its various clinical programs.
Avenzo Therapeutics focuses on developing cutting-edge oncology therapies. With its collaboration with DualityBio, Avenzo aims to leverage advanced biotherapeutic technologies to bring new hope to patients with cancer. Together, these two organizations are striving to push the boundaries of current cancer treatments, potentially leading to breakthroughs in patient care.
The successful dosing of the first patient in this clinical trial marks an important moment in the ongoing fight against cancer. As research continues, both Duality Biotherapeutics and Avenzo Therapeutics remain committed to advancing innovative therapies that may ultimately change the landscape of cancer treatment worldwide.
