Overcoming Complex Cytotoxic Chemistry: Discovery to Clinic in 14 Months

Overcoming Complex Cytotoxic Chemistry

Developing tumor-selective cytotoxic therapies requires the seamless integration of expertise across chemistry, biology, DMPK and analytical sciences. Avacta Therapeutics partnered with Sygnature Discovery to advance its FAP-activated peptide-drug conjugate program, with the goal of selectively delivering potent cytotoxic therapies to tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Through close collaboration, integrated discovery expertise and rapid iteration, our teams overcame complex scientific and technical challenges to accelerate candidate progression. By combining innovative assay development, computational chemistry and multidisciplinary drug discovery capabilities, Sygnature supported the delivery of AVA6103, progressing the program from discovery to clinical candidate nomination in just 14 months. Along the way, the collaboration generated valuable platform insights, expanded intellectual property opportunities and demonstrated the power of connected discovery in advancing complex oncology programs.

About Avacta Therapeutics

Avacta Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision oncology medicines through its proprietary pre|CISION® platform. Designed to selectively activate highly potent therapies within the tumour microenvironment, the platform aims to maximize anti-tumour efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Through its pipeline of targeted therapeutics, Avacta is advancing novel approaches intended to improve outcomes for patients with cancer.

About Sygnature Discovery

Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery contract research organization with sites in the UK and Canada and headquarters in Nottingham (UK), serving biotech and pharma customers across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. Additional sites are located in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, and Glasgow (UK), as well as Montreal and Quebec City (Canada). Its team of close to 900 employees, including 700+ scientists, partners with global biotech, pharma and NFP organizations. Since 2011, Sygnature has delivered 61 novel pre-clinical compounds, 38 of which have already progressed to clinical trials. Two have reached major milestones: one has been approved, and another is under regulatory review. Our scientists are named on more than 235 patents and our therapeutic areas of expertise span oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fibrotic diseases, and more.