Whitehawk Therapeutics (WHWK) The Citizens Life Sciences Conference 2026 summary

Company overview and financial position

• Transitioned to current form in March last year, in-licensing three ADC assets and raising $200M; $160M cash remains as of Q3, funding operations into early 2028.

• Focused on advancing three ADC programs: HWK-007 (PTK7), HWK-016 (MUC16), and HWK-206 (SEZ6), all leveraging a deruxtecan-like payload and proprietary CPT-113 linker system.

• Two programs are actively enrolling in clinical trials, with the third set to enter the clinic in Q3 this year.

ADC platform and differentiation

• Platform centers on a topoisomerase 1-based inhibitor payload, specifically a deruxtecan-like molecule for improved safety.

• Proprietary CPT-113 linker system, licensed from Hangzhou DAC, enhances stability and targeted payload delivery.

• All three assets use the same linker-payload technology, aiming for best-in-class efficacy and safety.

HWK-007 (PTK7-directed ADC)

• PTK7 is overexpressed in up to 70% of tumors, offering broad therapeutic potential.

• Previous programs by Pfizer/AbbVie validated the target but were discontinued due to payload-related toxicities.

• Preclinical models show high stability and potency, with clinical data expected in the first half of 2027 from 20-30 patients.

• Go/no-go decisions will be based on efficacy and safety, with a disciplined approach to pipeline management.