Aarvik Therapeutics Unveils Novel ADCs at AACR 2026
Aarvik Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on advancing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technologies, has announced its participation in the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, where it will present multiple scientific findings highlighting its innovative platforms and pipeline. The company, headquartered in Hayward, California, continues to build a reputation for developing precision medicines aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cancer, particularly in areas with high unmet medical need.
At this year’s meeting, Aarvik Therapeutics will showcase its research through two poster presentations and one minisymposium talk. These presentations collectively emphasize the company’s deep expertise in designing next-generation ADCs using its proprietary MUTTA™ and AQUALINK™ platforms. The AACR Annual Meeting 2026 is scheduled to take place from April 17 to April 22 in San Diego, California, and serves as one of the most prominent global forums for cancer research and drug development.
One of the key highlights of Aarvik’s participation is its collaboration with ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. This partnership has led to the development of a promising investigational molecule known as AV-P138-ADC, also referred to as ARR-002. Aarvik will present a poster titled “AV-P138-ADC (ARR-002), a novel MUC16/NaPi2b dual-target tetravalent ADC, for the treatment of ovarian and endometrial cancers.” This research represents a significant advancement in ADC design by incorporating dual-targeting capabilities into a single therapeutic molecule.
AV-P138-ADC was originally discovered by Aarvik Therapeutics as part of its collaborative efforts with ArriVent. Following its discovery, ArriVent obtained exclusive licensing rights and is now responsible for its global clinical development. The molecule is designed as a site-specific, tetravalent ADC that simultaneously targets two antigens—MUC16 and NaPi2b—commonly expressed in ovarian and endometrial cancers. By targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens, the ADC aims to improve tumor selectivity and reduce the limitations associated with conventional single-target therapies.
Traditional ADCs typically rely on a single antigen target, which can limit their effectiveness due to tumor heterogeneity and antigen variability. In contrast, AV-P138-ADC utilizes a dual-target approach, potentially allowing it to bind more effectively across diverse tumor cell populations. Furthermore, its tetravalent structure enhances binding strength and specificity, which may contribute to improved efficacy and reduced off-target toxicity. This innovative design could offer a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat gynecologic cancers.
The poster presentation for AV-P138-ADC is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT. It will be featured under the Clinical Research category, specifically within the session focused on Targeted Antigen Therapies and Immunity. The presentation will take place at Section 49, Board 12, Poster Number 2660.
In addition to this collaborative program, Aarvik Therapeutics will deliver a minisymposium presentation centered on its proprietary MUTTA™ platform. The talk, titled “Multi-epitope Targeting Tetravalent Antibody (MUTTA™) platform for Developing NextGen ADCs with an Improved Therapeutic Window,” will provide detailed insights into how this platform enables the development of advanced multispecific ADCs.
The MUTTA™ platform is designed to create antibodies capable of targeting multiple epitopes simultaneously, thereby increasing tumor specificity and minimizing off-target effects. During the minisymposium, Aarvik will present both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating the advantages of MUTTA™-based ADCs over traditional single-target ADCs. The findings suggest that these multi-target ADCs can achieve a broader therapeutic window, meaning they can be administered at effective doses with reduced toxicity.
Another key aspect of the MUTTA™ platform is its versatility. Aarvik has demonstrated that the platform can be applied across a wide range of tumor antigens, making it a highly adaptable tool for developing targeted therapies in various cancer types. This flexibility is particularly valuable in oncology, where tumor biology can vary significantly between patients and indications.
The minisymposium presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM PT. It falls under the Clinical Research category, within the session titled Targeted Therapy: Data Driven Approaches and Novel Drugs. This session will bring together leading researchers and industry experts to discuss emerging strategies in precision oncology.
Aarvik will also present a second poster highlighting advancements from its AQUALINK™ platform. This presentation, titled “Exatecan Payload-Based Antibody-Drug Conjugates with a Short Hydrophilic Beta-Glucuronidase Cleavable Linker,” focuses on the development of novel linker-payload systems designed to enhance the performance of ADCs.
The AQUALINK™ platform is engineered to address one of the critical challenges in ADC development: optimizing the linker and payload components to improve drug delivery and stability. The poster will showcase data on a new hydrophilic linker that is cleavable by beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme often present in tumor microenvironments. This design allows for more precise release of the cytotoxic payload within tumor cells, potentially increasing efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity.
Additionally, the use of a hydrophilic linker improves the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of the ADC, which can lead to better distribution and reduced aggregation. These enhancements are crucial for developing next-generation ADCs that can deliver potent anti-cancer agents more safely and effectively.
The AQUALINK™ poster will be presented on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM PT. It is categorized under Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics, specifically within the session on Multi-Axis Antineoplastic Agents. The presentation will be located at Section 14, Board 15, Poster Number 5757.
Company leadership expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to present these findings at a major scientific conference. Jagath Reddy Junutula, PhD, Co-founder, President, and CEO of Aarvik Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of these presentations in demonstrating the company’s innovation capabilities. He noted that the data being shared reflects Aarvik’s commitment to advancing multispecific antibody engineering, as well as its continued progress in developing proprietary linkers and payload technologies.
According to Dr. Junutula, Aarvik’s integrated approach—combining advanced antibody design with optimized linker-payload systems—positions the company at the forefront of ADC innovation. He also highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to address challenging cancer indications through cutting-edge research and development.
Paul Polakis, PhD, an Aarvik Fellow and member of the company’s Scientific Advisory Board, also commented on the broader impact of these advancements. He pointed out that the field of ADCs is rapidly evolving, with multiple novel approaches being explored across the industry. Aarvik’s contributions, particularly through its MUTTA™ and AQUALINK™ platforms, represent important steps toward developing more effective and safer cancer therapies.
Dr. Polakis further noted that these innovations have the potential to expand treatment options for patients, especially those who have limited alternatives with current therapies. By improving targeting precision and therapeutic index, Aarvik aims to deliver meaningful clinical benefits and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Overall, Aarvik Therapeutics’ participation in AACR 2026 underscores its growing role in the ADC landscape. Through its collaborative programs, proprietary platforms, and commitment to scientific excellence, the company continues to push the boundaries of targeted cancer therapy. The data presented at the conference will not only highlight its current progress but also set the stage for future developments in next-generation ADCs.
As the field of oncology increasingly shifts toward precision medicine, innovations like those from Aarvik Therapeutics are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of cancer treatments.
About Aarvik Therapeutics
Aarvik Therapeutics combines its unique, proprietary modular MUTTA™ (MUlti-epitope Targeting Tetravalent Antibody) and AQUALINK™ platforms with multiple target mechanisms to develop novel molecules with an improved therapeutic index for oncology targets. Backed by the extensive scientific, research, development and business expertise of its founders, Board, SAB and team members, Aarvik Therapeutics is applying its vision and passion to create transformational benefit for cancer patients.
