Targeting extracellular matrix signaling

The extracellular matrix shapes signaling between tumor, stromal and immune cells. We develop peptide therapeutics to modulate specific extracellular protein-protein interactions, with TAX2 as our lead clinical-stage program.

3D rendering of an extracellular protein and a peptide modulating its interaction

Why target the extracellular matrix?

The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in resistance to therapies.

  • Dysregulated extracellular matrix signaling can support tumor progression and pathological angiogenesis
  • It can contribute to immune suppression and tumor immune escape
  • Targeting these pathways offers opportunities to complement existing cancer therapies
Illustration of a cell surrounded by extracellular matrix fibers

Apmonia targets these interactions with engineered therapeutic peptides.

  • Designed for selective modulation of extracellular protein-protein interactions
  • Sequence optimization to improve target binding and peptide stability
  • Production by chemical synthesis

Our technological approach

We use three steps to move from the characterization of extracellular targets toward clinical development.

  1. Illustration: a screen showing a protein structure and a simulation curve
    1

    Computational modeling

    Molecular dynamics, metadynamics, and virtual screening

  2. Illustration: a peptide chain being optimized
    2

    Optimization through peptide engineering

    Sequence optimization and candidate selection based on target binding and biological activity

  3. Illustration: a pipette and a Petri dish
    3

    Translational biological validation

    Biophysical assays, cell-based assays and in vivo models

The platform in detail

TAX2, our technology in clinical development

  • Anti-tumor activity demonstrated in preclinical models (ovarian, colorectal, melanoma, etc.)
  • Preclinical evidence of anti-angiogenic activity and anti-tumor immune activation
  • Favorable non-clinical safety profile (GLP studies in rats and dogs)
  • Ongoing Phase 1/2a study in advanced solid tumors
Structure of TAX2 (AP-01), a 12-amino-acid cyclic peptide

Key features of Apmonia’s peptide technology

FeatureApmonia’s approach
Extracellular targetingPeptide design to modulate challenging ECM-related protein-protein interactions
Peptide engineeringStructure-guided sequence optimization to improve target binding and stability
ProductionChemical synthesis, with manufacturability and scalability considered during development.