Optimization of a tumor-specific antibody for the treatment of cancer

The McNagny and Roskelley research teams are thrilled to receive generous Matching Funds from Health Research BC in support of our 2025 GlycoNet Strategic Initiatives Grant from the Canadian Glycomics Network Centre of Excellence. This critical funding, made possible through Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence and Strategic Science Fund programs, will accelerate our mission to develop novel groundbreaking cancer immunotherapies.

Led by Prof. Kelly M. McNagny from the School of Biomedical Engineering and co-applicant Prof. Calvin Roskelley, both at the Vancouver Campus of the University of British Columbia, this project merges world-class academic expertise and cutting-edge industrial innovation. We are proud to collaborate with MetaStem Therapeutics (a UBC startup) and iProgen Biotech, two pioneering BC-based companies committed to bringing the next-generation of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) therapies to the clinic. Their invaluable industry expertise and in-kind support will help drive this research forward to meet a critical unmet clinical need in treating patients with metastatic cancer.

Our work builds on groundbreaking insights into the function of the stem cell glycoprotein, podocalyxin, a key driver of aggressive tumor cell behavior and an effective predictor of poor outcomes in most types of solid tumors. From these insights, we have developed a prototype ADC-based immunotherapy engineered to selectively bind and eliminate tumor cells while sparing healthy tissues. Based on these crucial findings, we will now refine and optimize our ADC to enhance its effectiveness against recurrent ovarian and pancreatic cancers, laying the foundation for the rapid transition of this therapy into clinical trials.

Our ultimate goal is to develop more effective, less toxic treatment options for patients battling these devastating cancers. Thanks to this generous support, we are one step closer to making this very novel therapeutic approach available to those patients for which there are currently few effective clinical options.