Whitehawk Therapeutics Unveils Next-Gen MUC16-Targeting ADC

HWK-016 Leverages Novel Bioconjugation and Linker-Payload Tech for Improved Tumor Targeting

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:48am

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An ethereal, X-ray-like image showing the ghostly, glowing internal structures of a MUC16 protein molecule, conveying the complex nature of this important cancer target.The intricate molecular structure of MUC16, a key target for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates seeking to improve cancer treatment.Morristown Today

Whitehawk Therapeutics has unveiled HWK-016, a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets the MUC16 protein, which is highly expressed in multiple cancer types including ovarian, endometrial, and pancreatic. HWK-016 utilizes novel bioconjugation and linker-payload technologies to selectively bind the non-shed extracellular domain of MUC16, avoiding interference from circulating CA125 and improving tumor targeting.

Why it matters

MUC16 is an attractive target for ADCs due to its high expression in many solid tumors, but previous MUC16-targeting ADCs have faced challenges with target-mediated drug disposition. HWK-016's novel design aims to overcome these limitations and deliver a more potent and selective therapeutic option for patients with MUC16-positive cancers.

The details

HWK-016 features an antibody that binds to the non-shed extracellular domain of MUC16, an attenuated Fc region to reduce off-target effects, and a proprietary topoisomerase I inhibitor payload linked via a cleavable linker. In preclinical studies, HWK-016 demonstrated potent binding, internalization, and cancer cell killing that was minimally impacted by high levels of circulating CA125. The ADC also showed robust anti-tumor activity in ovarian cancer models, including complete responses at doses as low as 1 mg/kg.

  • HWK-016 is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical study of patients with advanced ovarian and endometrial cancers (NCT07470853).

The players

Whitehawk Therapeutics

A biopharmaceutical company developing novel antibody-drug conjugates and other targeted cancer therapies.

David Dornan, PhD

An employee and stockholder of Whitehawk Therapeutics who presented the preclinical data on HWK-016.

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What they’re saying

“HWK-016 is a promising next generation MUC16-targeting ADC that leverages novel bioconjugation and linker-payload technologies to minimize off-target effects and increase the therapeutic index.”

— David Dornan, Employee, Whitehawk Therapeutics

What’s next

HWK-016 is currently being evaluated in a phase 1 clinical study of patients with advanced ovarian and endometrial cancers.

The takeaway

The novel design of HWK-016 aims to overcome the limitations of previous MUC16-targeting ADCs, potentially offering a more potent and selective therapeutic option for patients with MUC16-positive solid tumors. The promising preclinical data supports further clinical investigation of this next-generation ADC.