Targeting a Distinctive Feature of Cancer
OncoTAb, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing tumor-targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, with a primary focus on pancreatic cancer.
Our Foundation
The company was founded on research originating at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte around a distinctive tumor-associated form of the glycoprotein MUC1, known as tMUC1.
MUC1 is normally expressed on epithelial cells. During malignant transformation, changes in its structure and glycosylation create tMUC1 and expose tumor-associated epitopes. OncoTAb's proprietary targeting technology is designed to recognize tMUC1 while minimizing recognition of normal MUC1.
Because tMUC1 is expressed in the majority of pancreatic cancers, OncoTAb is using this target to develop new approaches to identify and attack cancer cells.
From Tumor Target to Therapeutic Platform
OncoTAb's technology originated with the development of TAB004, a monoclonal antibody with highly selective binding to tMUC1. TAB004 was subsequently humanized to create hTAB004, establishing the foundation for a broader tumor-targeting platform.
Today, OncoTAb is applying its tMUC1-targeting technology to two primary therapeutic programs:
Radiotheranostics
A targeted radiopharmaceutical approach designed to use molecular imaging to identify tMUC1-expressing tumors and deliver therapeutic radiation to cancer.
T-Cell Engagement
MUCD3, a tMUC1 × CD3 bispecific antibody designed to redirect T cells against tMUC1-expressing cancer cells.
Together, these programs reflect OncoTAb's central development strategy: use a highly selective tumor target to enable fundamentally different therapeutic approaches.
Our Focus: Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer presents unique therapeutic challenges. The disease is frequently advanced at diagnosis, is biologically aggressive, and is surrounded by a dense tumor microenvironment that can limit effective drug delivery and immune activity.
OncoTAb is developing tMUC1-targeted approaches designed to address these challenges through:
- Tumor-specific targeting
- Molecular imaging and patient selection
- Targeted delivery of therapeutic radiation
- Redirected T-cell activity against cancer cells
Our objective is to translate the specificity of tMUC1 targeting into therapies capable of improving outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Built to Advance Innovation Through Collaboration
OncoTAb operates through a focused biotechnology development model, combining internal scientific and product leadership with specialized academic, contract research, manufacturing, and clinical development collaborators.
Our programs have received competitive funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute and are advancing through preclinical development.
OncoTAb's strategy is to generate compelling translational evidence, advance programs toward clinical development, and build strategic partnerships capable of bringing new therapies to patients.
Our Mission
To develop tumor-targeted therapies that transform how difficult-to-treat cancers are identified and treated.
Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy
In accordance with NIH Grants Policy Statement §4.1.10 and 42 CFR Part 50 Subpart F, OncoTAb maintains a publicly accessible Financial Conflict of Interest policy governing PHS/NIH-funded research.