Mabion Completes Analytical Development Project for WPD401

• Analytical development project for WPD401 delivers a comprehensive characterization platform supporting the advancement of innovative oncology therapeutics.
• As Mabion’s first protein-drug conjugate program, this project required both validation of existing platform approaches and development of a new end-to-end analytical package comprising 20 analytical methods.

Delivering Advanced Analytical Solutions for Next-Generation Oncology Therapeutics

We’re excited to share that Mabion has just delivered the full analytical package for WPD Pharmaceuticals. The protein-drug conjugate (PDC) under investigation, consisting of the QUAD fusion protein and WPD401. Analytical development project strengthening Mabion’s collaboration with our partners in innovative drug development.

WPD401 is a next-generation, multivalent conjugate designed to address the biological heterogeneity of aggressive cancers, with glioblastoma as the initial lead indication. The molecule is engineered to selectively recognize four tumor-associated receptors:

• IL-13RA2 – a receptor protein with high affinity for the IL-13 cytokine.
• EphA2 – receptor belonging to the protein tyrosine kinase family that is frequently overexpressed in glioblastoma.
• EphA3 – transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that belongs to the Ephrin receptor family.
• EphB2 – transmembrane receptor that facilitates bidirectional intercellular signaling, particularly in the nervous system.

The receptors are involved in targeting malignant cells in glioblastoma, but may also be targets in other difficult-to-treat tumors. Its QUAD targeting backbone is conjugated to DM1, a potent cytotoxic microtubule inhibitor also used in approved antibody-drug conjugates therapy. Following receptor binding and internalization into cancer cells, WPD401 is intended to release DM1 intracellularly. This allows for targeted tumor-cell killing while limiting exposure to healthy tissue.

The primary development focus for WPD401 is glioblastoma. This is a clinically relevant entry point to generate safety and preliminary efficacy data for broader oncology indications. Beyond glioblastoma, WPD401 may have potential in other tumors characterized by expression of its target receptors, including treatment-resistant cancers such as triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly in cases involving brain metastases, as well as colorectal cancer.

Working with Mabion on the QUAD fusion protein and WPD-401 program has been a highly positive experience. The analytical depth, scientific rigor and solution-oriented approach demonstrated by the Mabion team have provided WPD with valuable, decision-ready data at a critical stage of development. We are very pleased with the quality of this collaboration and see Mabion as a strong partner for advancing complex next-generation biologics and PDC programs. We look forward to continuing this cooperation across further projects within our oncology pipeline.

Analytical Development Project Enables Deep Structural and Functional Understanding of WPD401

Robust analytics are essential to ensuring that a complex PDC can consistently deliver the intended therapeutic profile. WPD401 combining a multi-domain targeting protein, linker-related attributes and a highly potent cytotoxic payload. In that case analytical control is critical to confirm structural integrity, physicochemical consistency, purity, conjugation-related quality attributes and biological activity. Even subtle variability may affect tumor targeting, internalization, potency, payload distribution, off-target exposure or immunogenicity risk. A broad analytical panel therefore serves as a safety foundation.

Among the key deliverables, the team completed:

• Payload conjugation mapping at single-amino-acid resolution
• Site-specific glycosylation profiling
• Purity assessment covering both product- and process-related impurities of the QUAD protein and its conjugate

The WPD-401 project was an important milestone for our analytical development team. Working on such a complex multi-domain fusion protein and it’s protein drug conjugate (PDC) at an early development stage required scientific flexibility, creativity, and close collaboration across multiple analytical areas. We successfully developed a comprehensive analytical panel enabling detailed characterization of both molecules’ structure and physicochemical properties. We are proud that this project laid a strong foundation for further cooperation with WPD Pharmaceuticals in the development of innovative ADC/PDC therapies.

This success strengthens Mabion’s position as next-generation ADC and PDC partner. It also paves the way for deeper co-development within WPD’s oncology pipeline.

Prepared by:

Jakub Knurek

Marketing Specialist

j.knurek@mabion.eu

Jakub Knurek

Marketing Specialist

Jakub Knurek is a marketing and business development expert specializing in CDMO operations with scientific and biopharmaceutical background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to the development of the Novavax protein vaccine. As a side project, he runs his own pharma company.

As the author of numerous articles, he is recognized as an important voice of the younger generation of scientists. He is a member of Mabion’s representation at industry trade shows, including BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, 2nd Global Biologics India 2025 in Hydrabad, CPHI 2024 in Milan, CPHI 2023 in Barcelona, Life Sciences Baltics 2023 in Vilnius. He actively participates in academic, business and industry discussions, such as the “Building the Future Pharma Workforce” panel at CPHI Milan 2024.