Adecto Pharmaceuticals announces exclusive licensing agreement with Tufts University to develop ADAM8-targeted monoclonal antibodies for treatment of aggressive cancers

BOSTON, Mass. (July 22, 2024) - Adecto Pharmaceuticals, a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company, today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Tufts University for the development and commercialization of novel monoclonal antibodies targeting the ADAM8 protein for the treatment of aggressive solid tumors.

The agreement grants Adecto Pharmaceuticals the exclusive rights to practice patent rights and use technology developed at Tufts University aimed at inhibiting ADAM8, a cell surface protein identified as a primary driver of tumor growth and metastasis.

A Breakthrough in Targeted Oncology
Research at Tufts University led by Drs. Gail Sonenshein, Mathilde Romagnoli  and  Nora Mineva - co-founders of Adecto Pharmaceuticals -  led to the discovery that two extracellular domains of ADAM8 are responsible for its cancer driving functions and to the development of mouse monoclonal antibodies that inhibit both of these domains for an effective anti-cancer treatment. 

"Identifying a target like ADAM8, which is associated with fast-spreading, deadly tumors, and a mechanism to stop it, is a significant milestone," said Gail Sonenshein, Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. "By inhibiting this protein with targeted monoclonal antibodies, we aim to provide a new therapeutic option for patients with high-risk, ADAM8-positive cancers who currently have limited treatment choices".

Advancing the Clinical Pipeline
Under the terms of the agreement, Adecto Pharmaceuticals will be responsible for the development and commercialization of the licensed anti-ADAM8 antibodies. The company is also developing a companion diagnostic assay to identify patients who would most benefit from this targeted therapy.

"The partnership with Tufts University allows us to accelerate the translation of foundational laboratory research into potentially life-saving clinical treatments," said Nora Mineva, co-founder of Adecto Pharmaceuticals. "Our goal is to push these therapies through the development process and into the clinic, where they can make a tangible difference for cancer patients".

About Tufts University
Tufts University is a premier R1 research institution focused on fostering innovation and transferring early-stage technologies from the lab to the marketplace. Through the Technology Commercialization section of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Tufts works closely with industrial collaborators to advance scientific findings into new medicines.

About Adecto Pharmaceuticals
Adecto Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of targeted therapies and diagnostics for ADAM8-positive cancers. Founded in 2014 by Tufts researchers, the company is dedicated to stopping primary cancer growth and metastasis.