Whitehawk Therapeutics (WHWK) 7th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit: Insights for ASCO & EHA summary

Key platform innovations and differentiation

• Advanced ADC portfolio built on a unique paired linker payload system (CPT113) offering enhanced stability and targeted release of Topo 1 inhibitor at tumor sites, aiming for superior potency and reduced toxicity.

• Three clinical-stage ADC assets leverage the same platform, with two in the clinic and a third entering trials in Q3; option agreement in place to develop up to five additional ADCs, including dual and novel payloads.

• Differentiation centers on a heme-sparing payload, reducing cytopenias common in Topo 1-based ADCs, and a proprietary bioconjugation method (DAR6) for improved potency and safety.

Recent data and clinical progress

• Preclinical and early clinical data for HWK-007 (PTK7) and HWK-016 (MUC16) show strong potency at low doses and broad therapeutic windows; HWK-206 (SEZ6) targets neuroendocrine tumors with a biparatopic antibody.

• HWK-007 has cleared initial dose-limiting toxicity cohorts and is already dosing in the active range; HWK-016 overcomes antigen sink issues in MUC16, a highly expressed ovarian cancer target.

• HWK-206 aims to outperform AbbVie's program by improving both potency and safety for neuroendocrine cancers.

External validation and upcoming milestones

• Hangzhou DAC’s clinical data with the same linker payload (CPT113) in CD56 ADCs show high response rates (up to 68% in small cell lung cancer) and favorable safety, supporting the platform’s clinical potential.

• J&J is developing an ADC version of amivantamab using CPT113, further validating the technology.

• Upcoming ASCO presentations will provide additional clinical validation and updates on SEZ6 and the linker payload system.