Whitehawk Therapeutics (WHWK) Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference 2026 summary

Pipeline and clinical progress

• Developing three ADCs, with two in clinical trials and a third entering the clinic in Q3 2024; data updates expected in H1 2027.

• Recent $87.5 million financing extends operational runway into 2028, supporting advancement through phase I dose escalation.

• HWK-007 targets PTK7 in non-small cell, ovarian, and endometrial cancers; MUC16 program focuses on ovarian and endometrial cancers.

• SEZ6-targeting ADC to enter clinic in Q3 2024, with initial focus on small cell lung cancer and data anticipated in H2 2025.

• Option to expand pipeline with up to five additional ADCs using CPT113 linker payload, with new programs expected post-2027.

Technology and differentiation

• Utilizes a unique Carbon Bridge Cysteine Re-pairing bioconjugation and CPT113 linker payload for ultra-high ADC stability and improved tolerability.

• Platform improvements include moving from DAR4 to DAR6, enhancing potency while maintaining safety.

• PEG-based masking and Fc region attenuation optimize pharmacokinetics and reduce immune-related toxicity.

• Proprietary triple alanine-based cleavage system releases a less heme-toxic exatecan analog at the tumor site.

• Biparatopic antibody design for SEZ6 increases internalization and cell killing potency compared to competitors.

Clinical and preclinical data

• Preclinical studies show high HNSTD (60 mg/kg) and minor toxicity in NHPs, supporting a favorable therapeutic index.

• External data from a partner’s CD56-directed ADC in China show strong efficacy and low hematological toxicity, supporting platform safety.

• Dose escalation for HWK-007 underway, with efficacy benchmarks of 40% ORR in lung and 50% in gynecological cancers; aiming for low Grade 3 AE rates.

• PK studies target long half-lives (over a week) and minimal free payload release, aiming for high stability in humans.

• Early SEZ6 clinical data expected to guide expansion into additional neuroendocrine tumors.