Tubulis’ ADC shows 59% response rate, fueling investor and clinical momentum

Tubulis’ next-gen antibody-drug conjugate (TUB-040) achieved a 59% overall response rate in early human trials for platinum-resistant ovarian and non-small cell lung cancers.

Why it matters: These promising results validate Tubulis' ADC platform and justify the recent $361M funding round, positioning the biotech for expanded trials and potential Big Pharma partnerships.

Backstory: Tubulis is leveraging its Tubutecan platform to design ADCs that reduce toxicity by minimizing premature payload release. TUB-040 targets the NaPi2b protein and is being tested in a phase 1/2a trial. Patients had received a median of four prior therapies, underscoring the treatment-resistant nature of the population.

Zoom in: Only 2 patients discontinued their participation in the trial due to side effects. This also comes along with the positive news that 91% disease control rate was observed across all dose cohorts with a maximum tolerated dose.

Big picture: With a strong therapeutic window, early onset of activity, and manageable side effects, TUB-040 could reshape treatment options for hard-to-treat cancers. Tubulis is now exploring earlier-line use and other tumor types, moves that could significantly expand its clinical footprint and commercial appeal.