Whitehawk SEZ6 Expression Triples Benchmarks, IND Submission Set for Mid-2026
WHWK•Real-world RNA analysis shows SEZ6 expression is at least 3-fold higher than HER2, B7-H3, DLL3, PD-L1 and PD-1 in SCLC and 2-6 fold higher in prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma. These findings support Whitehawk Therapeutics' IND submission for its biparatopic SEZ6-targeted ADC, HWK-206, in mid-2026.
1. SEZ6 Expression Analysis
A large-scale RNA analysis revealed SEZ6 is at least 3-fold more expressed than HER2, B7-H3, DLL3, PD-L1 and PD-1 in small cell lung cancer and 2-6 fold higher in prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma, with highest levels in SCLC-A and SCLC-N subtypes across all disease stages.
2. HWK-206 Biparatopic ADC Design
HWK-206 employs a dual-epitope binding approach that enhances antigen binding and internalization, and has outperformed single-epitope ADCs in preclinical models, suggesting improved therapeutic potential for SEZ6-targeted treatment.
3. Clinical Development Timeline
Whitehawk Therapeutics plans to submit an IND for HWK-206 by mid-2026 and initiate a Phase 1 trial in Q3 2026 to evaluate safety and efficacy in SCLC and other neuroendocrine tumors.
