Akari Therapeutics Develops Novel RNA-Splicing ADC Payload
The firm aims to address drug resistance by shifting from standard inhibitor payloads to spliceosome modulation by 2027.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Biotech
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Akari Therapeutics has announced its move into antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) using a proprietary RNA-splicing disrupting payload known as PH1. The oncology firm has begun IND-enabling toxicology and safety studies for its lead candidate, AKTX-101, which targets the Trop2 receptor.
Why it matters
As cancer patients frequently develop resistance to existing ADC payload classes like microtubule inhibitors, there is a clear industry need for differentiated alternatives. Akari’s strategy focuses on a novel spliceosome modulator to overcome treatment relapse scenarios.
Akari uses a proprietary linker technology to deliver PH1, a spliceosome modulator, directly into tumor cells. This mechanism is distinct from current ADC standards, targeting the splicing process rather than microtubule polymerization or DNA structure.
The players
Akari Therapeutics
An oncology biotechnology company based in Tampa and London that focuses on developing ADCs with novel spliceosome-disrupting payloads.
Abizer Gaslightwala
The CEO of Akari Therapeutics who recently outlined the company's shift toward RNA-splicing disrupting ADC payloads.
Genentech
A major biotechnology developer that recently entered into a strategic collaboration with DualityBio in the ADC space.
Novartis
A global pharmaceutical firm that recently moved to acquire Myricx Bio to bolster its own ADC development capabilities.
The details
Antibody drug conjugates, or ADCs, are therapeutic molecules consisting of an antibody linked to a cytotoxic drug. Akari’s platform employs a novel payload, PH1, which functions as a spliceosome modulator—a compound that disrupts the protein complexes responsible for RNA splicing. By targeting Trop2 and CEACAM5 receptors, the company aims to ensure the PH1 payload is internalized by tumor cells while minimizing off-target effects compared to conventional inhibitors.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Akari Therapeutics released a CEO Corner segment detailing its ADC strategy.
Mid-2027: The company plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical development for AKTX-101.
The Tech Race
Akari enters a crowded ADC landscape where giants like Genentech and Novartis are aggressively securing external technologies. The company’s focus on spliceosome modulation positions it against established competitors who primarily rely on microtubule and DNA-damaging payloads.
This development is currently in the pre-clinical stage and will not affect clinical workflows until at least mid-2027. Patients and practitioners should look for updates from the planned Phase 1 clinical trials as the company moves toward human testing.
The takeaway
The firm is prioritizing a novel splicing-disruption mechanism to bypass resistance patterns seen in current ADC portfolios. Industry watchers should monitor the upcoming 2027 Phase 1 initiation to see if the preclinical promise of PH1 translates into early-stage safety data.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of experimental cancer treatments, see the Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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