Avacta Group (AIM:AVCT), a clinical-stage oncology company developing tumour-targeted peptide drug conjugates, has dosed its first patient in FOCUS-01, the Phase 1 trial of AVA6103, its second-generation pre|CISION platform candidate, with initial clinical data from the programme expected in late 2026.
The trial, a multi-centre open-label study of FAP-Exd, a pre|CISION-enabled form of exatecan, began enrolment in March following IND clearance in January.
Avacta also presented updated Phase 1a/1b data on its lead asset AVA6000 at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, showing early efficacy signals in salivary gland cancers, alongside a regulatory decision to lift the lifetime maximum dose following favourable cardiac safety findings.
A March placing raised £10m, extending the cash runway into the first quarter of 2027 and bringing total gross proceeds over the past 18 months to £41.5m.
"We move forward with a strong financial foundation, having extended our cash runway into early Q1 2027," said CEO Christina Coughlin, adding that partnering discussions with multiple parties across the pipeline are continuing.
Richard Hughes has joined the board as Non-Executive Chairman, with an additional appointment as Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director described as near finalisation.
Further AVA6000 data are expected at BIO International this week and at a medical congress in the third quarter.
