Globally recognized leader in early-phase oncology clinical development and experimental therapeutics
Strengthens strategic expertise as Akari advances its novel ADC payload that modulates RNA splicing into future Phase 1 First-in-Human trial
TAMPA, Fla. and LONDON, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel RNA splicing modulator payloads, today announced the appointment of Patricia LoRusso, D.O. to its Scientific Advisory Board.
“Dr. LoRusso is one of the most influential leaders in oncology drug development, and her appointment represents a significant addition to Akari at a critical inflection point for the Company,” said Abizer Gaslightwala. “Her unparalleled experience advancing first-in-human oncology programs, combined with her leadership as former President of AACR, will be instrumental as we transition AKTX-101 into the clinic. As we advance a highly differentiated ADC payload modulating RNA splicing, her strategic and clinical insight will help ensure we maximize the potential of our PH1 payload and drive impactful outcomes for patients.”
Dr. LoRusso brings more than 25 years of experience in medical oncology, drug development, and early-phase clinical trials, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in experimental therapeutics. She currently serves as Amy and Joseph Perella Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) at Yale Cancer Center, Chief of Experimental Therapeutics, and Associate Cancer Center Director of Experimental Therapeutics. Prior to joining Yale, she held multiple leadership roles at Wayne State University’s Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, including Director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Program and the Eisenberg Center for Experimental Therapeutics.
Dr. LoRusso is a past President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and has played a significant role in advancing the field of oncology through leadership positions across major scientific and clinical organizations. She has served as Co-Chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) Investigational Drug Steering Committee and contributed to numerous committees within AACR and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to oncology research and drug development.
Dr. LoRusso commented, “I am excited to join Akari’s Scientific Advisory Board at a time when innovation in oncology is rapidly expanding the boundaries of what is possible. Targeting RNA splicing represents a compelling and differentiated approach with the potential to impact fundamental drivers of cancer biology. I look forward to working with the team to help advance AKTX-101 and support the development of novel therapies for patients with significant unmet need.”
Dr. LoRusso’s deep expertise in early-phase clinical development and translational oncology will support Akari’s efforts to advance its lead program, AKTX-101, a TROP2-targeting ADC powered by its proprietary PH1 payload, currently in IND-enabling studies with a targeted Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial expected in mid-2027.
About Akari Therapeutics
Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing. Utilizing its innovative ADC discovery platform, the Company has the ability to generate ADC candidates and optimize them based on the desired application to any antigen target of interest. Akari’s lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells with a proprietary linker, enabling it to deliver its novel PH1 payload directly into the tumor with minimal off-target effects. Unlike current ADCs that use microtubule inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents as their payloads, PH1 is a novel payload that is a spliceosome modulator designed to disrupt RNA splicing within cancer cells. This splicing modulation has been shown in preclinical animal models to induce cancer cell death while activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems to drive robust and durable activity. In preclinical studies, AKTX-101 has been shown to have significant activity and prolonged survival relative to ADCs with traditional payloads. Additionally, AKTX-101 has the potential to be synergistic with checkpoint inhibitors and has demonstrated prolonged survival as both a single agent and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. The PH1 payload has also been demonstrated to be very active against cancer cells with key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF, ARV7, FGFR3 fusions, and others. The Company has initiated IND enabling studies for AKTX-101 with a goal of starting its First-In-Human trial by mid-2027. Akari is also developing AKTX-102, an ADC candidate targeting CEACAM5 (Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule-5), a well-validated tumor antigen broadly expressed across multiple solid tumors. AKTX-102 is designed to leverage Akari’s proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload and a novel antibody construct to enable differentiated tumor cell killing and immune activation.
For more information about the Company, please visit
www.akaritx.com
and connect on
X
and
LinkedIn
.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes express or implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about the Company that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of the Company. Actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “future,” “opportunity” “will likely result,” “target,” variations of such words, and similar expressions or negatives of these words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the ability of the Company to advance its product candidates for the treatment of cancer and the timing of a filing of an IND and commencement of a Phase I clinical trial. These statements are based on the Company’s current plans, estimates and projections. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. A number of important factors, including those described in this communication, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect future results and may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: the Company’s need for additional capital; the potential impact of unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, costs, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition and losses on the future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the business; risks related to global as well as local political and economic conditions, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; potential delays or failures related to research and/or development of the Company’s programs or product candidates; risks related to any loss of the Company’s patents or other intellectual property rights; any interruptions of the supply chain for raw materials or manufacturing for the Company’s product candidates, including as a result of potential tariffs; the nature, timing, cost and possible success and therapeutic applications of product candidates being developed by the Company and/or its collaborators or licensees; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by the Company, and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of the Company’s product candidates; risks related to competition for the Company’s product candidates; and the Company’s ability to successfully develop or commercialize its product candidates. While the foregoing list of factors presented here is considered representative, no list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release except as required by law.
Investor Relations Contact
JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
908-824-0775
AKTX@jtcir.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/164da0ca-4019-42b7-bc8d-a88b6af35c31
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Akari Therapeutics Appoints Patricia LoRusso to Scientific Advisory Board as Lead ADC Program Advances Toward First-in-Human Trial
Akari Therapeutics appoints Dr. Patricia LoRusso to its Scientific Advisory Board to advance its ADC therapy into clinical trials.
Quiver AI Summary
Akari Therapeutics, an oncology biotechnology company specializing in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia LoRusso to its Scientific Advisory Board, marking a key enhancement of its strategic expertise as it prepares for a Phase 1 first-in-human trial of its lead candidate, AKTX-101. With over 25 years of experience in oncology and drug development, Dr. LoRusso has held significant roles in major cancer research organizations and has authored more than 200 publications. Her expertise will be vital as Akari progresses its innovative ADC payload, PH1, which modulates RNA splicing to tackle cancer biology. The company aims to initiate clinical trials for AKTX-101, targeting TROP2 on cancer cells, by mid-2027, while also developing AKTX-102, another ADC candidate with a focus on a different tumor antigen.
Potential Positives
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FAQ
What new appointment did Akari Therapeutics announce on July 7, 2026?
Akari Therapeutics appointed Dr. Patricia LoRusso to its Scientific Advisory Board to strengthen its oncology expertise.
What is Akari Therapeutics' lead program?
Akari's lead program is AKTX-101, an antibody drug conjugate targeting the Trop2 receptor with a unique PH1 payload.
When is the Phase 1 clinical trial for AKTX-101 expected to begin?
The Phase 1 First-in-Human clinical trial for AKTX-101 is expected to begin in mid-2027.
What is the function of the PH1 payload in Akari's ADCs?
The PH1 payload modulates RNA splicing, inducing cancer cell death while boosting immune system response.
Who is Dr. Patricia LoRusso and what is her experience?
Dr. LoRusso is an oncology expert with over 25 years of experience in early-phase clinical trials and drug development.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
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Full Release
Globally recognized leader in early-phase oncology clinical development and experimental therapeutics
Strengthens strategic expertise as Akari advances its novel ADC payload that modulates RNA splicing into future Phase 1 First-in-Human trial
TAMPA, Fla. and LONDON, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel RNA splicing modulator payloads, today announced the appointment of Patricia LoRusso, D.O. to its Scientific Advisory Board.
“Dr. LoRusso is one of the most influential leaders in oncology drug development, and her appointment represents a significant addition to Akari at a critical inflection point for the Company,” said Abizer Gaslightwala. “Her unparalleled experience advancing first-in-human oncology programs, combined with her leadership as former President of AACR, will be instrumental as we transition AKTX-101 into the clinic. As we advance a highly differentiated ADC payload modulating RNA splicing, her strategic and clinical insight will help ensure we maximize the potential of our PH1 payload and drive impactful outcomes for patients.”
Dr. LoRusso brings more than 25 years of experience in medical oncology, drug development, and early-phase clinical trials, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in experimental therapeutics. She currently serves as Amy and Joseph Perella Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) at Yale Cancer Center, Chief of Experimental Therapeutics, and Associate Cancer Center Director of Experimental Therapeutics. Prior to joining Yale, she held multiple leadership roles at Wayne State University’s Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, including Director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Program and the Eisenberg Center for Experimental Therapeutics.
Dr. LoRusso is a past President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and has played a significant role in advancing the field of oncology through leadership positions across major scientific and clinical organizations. She has served as Co-Chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) Investigational Drug Steering Committee and contributed to numerous committees within AACR and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to oncology research and drug development.
Dr. LoRusso commented, “I am excited to join Akari’s Scientific Advisory Board at a time when innovation in oncology is rapidly expanding the boundaries of what is possible. Targeting RNA splicing represents a compelling and differentiated approach with the potential to impact fundamental drivers of cancer biology. I look forward to working with the team to help advance AKTX-101 and support the development of novel therapies for patients with significant unmet need.”
Dr. LoRusso’s deep expertise in early-phase clinical development and translational oncology will support Akari’s efforts to advance its lead program, AKTX-101, a TROP2-targeting ADC powered by its proprietary PH1 payload, currently in IND-enabling studies with a targeted Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial expected in mid-2027.
About Akari Therapeutics
Akari Therapeutics is an oncology biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing. Utilizing its innovative ADC discovery platform, the Company has the ability to generate ADC candidates and optimize them based on the desired application to any antigen target of interest. Akari’s lead candidate, AKTX-101, targets the Trop2 receptor on cancer cells with a proprietary linker, enabling it to deliver its novel PH1 payload directly into the tumor with minimal off-target effects. Unlike current ADCs that use microtubule inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents as their payloads, PH1 is a novel payload that is a spliceosome modulator designed to disrupt RNA splicing within cancer cells. This splicing modulation has been shown in preclinical animal models to induce cancer cell death while activating both the innate and adaptive immune systems to drive robust and durable activity. In preclinical studies, AKTX-101 has been shown to have significant activity and prolonged survival relative to ADCs with traditional payloads. Additionally, AKTX-101 has the potential to be synergistic with checkpoint inhibitors and has demonstrated prolonged survival as both a single agent and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. The PH1 payload has also been demonstrated to be very active against cancer cells with key oncogenic drivers such as KRAS, BRAF, ARV7, FGFR3 fusions, and others. The Company has initiated IND enabling studies for AKTX-101 with a goal of starting its First-In-Human trial by mid-2027. Akari is also developing AKTX-102, an ADC candidate targeting CEACAM5 (Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule-5), a well-validated tumor antigen broadly expressed across multiple solid tumors. AKTX-102 is designed to leverage Akari’s proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload and a novel antibody construct to enable differentiated tumor cell killing and immune activation.
For more information about the Company, please visit www.akaritx.com and connect on X and LinkedIn .
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes express or implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about the Company that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of the Company. Actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “future,” “opportunity” “will likely result,” “target,” variations of such words, and similar expressions or negatives of these words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the ability of the Company to advance its product candidates for the treatment of cancer and the timing of a filing of an IND and commencement of a Phase I clinical trial. These statements are based on the Company’s current plans, estimates and projections. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. A number of important factors, including those described in this communication, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect future results and may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: the Company’s need for additional capital; the potential impact of unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, costs, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition and losses on the future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the business; risks related to global as well as local political and economic conditions, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; potential delays or failures related to research and/or development of the Company’s programs or product candidates; risks related to any loss of the Company’s patents or other intellectual property rights; any interruptions of the supply chain for raw materials or manufacturing for the Company’s product candidates, including as a result of potential tariffs; the nature, timing, cost and possible success and therapeutic applications of product candidates being developed by the Company and/or its collaborators or licensees; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by the Company, and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of the Company’s product candidates; risks related to competition for the Company’s product candidates; and the Company’s ability to successfully develop or commercialize its product candidates. While the foregoing list of factors presented here is considered representative, no list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no, and hereby disclaims any, obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release except as required by law.
Investor Relations Contact
JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
908-824-0775
AKTX@jtcir.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/164da0ca-4019-42b7-bc8d-a88b6af35c31
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