BioAtla lays off 30% of staff, hunts out partners for ADC and cancer antibody

BioAtla Restructures and Seeks Partnerships Amid Layoffs

BioAtla, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is laying off 30% of its staff as it searches for partners for some of its conditionally active biologic (CAB) antibodies18. This restructuring effort aims to extend the company's cash runway beyond key clinical readouts expected in the first half of 202611.

Key details:

The layoffs will impact over 30% of BioAtla's workforce4.
The company is seeking partnerships for its CAB antibody programs.
BioAtla is focusing on extending its cash runway to support upcoming clinical milestones11.

Background on BioAtla's technology:

BioAtla specializes in developing Conditionally Active Biologic (CAB) antibodies, designed to be more selective and potentially safer than traditional antibodies9. The company's key programs include:

1. Mecbotamab vedotin (BA3011):
A CAB-AXL-ADC for soft tissue sarcoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and ovarian cancer12.

2. Ozuriftamab vedotin (BA3021):
A CAB-ROR2-ADC for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer12 16.

3. BA3071:
A CAB-CTLA-4 antibody designed to reduce systemic toxicity10.

Recent developments:

BioAtla recently entered a licensing agreement with Context Therapeutics for BA3362, a Nectin-4 x CD3 T-cell engager17.
The company received FDA Fast Track Designation for ozuriftamab vedotin in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck16.

This restructuring and partnership strategy reflects broader trends in the biotech industry, where companies are adjusting to market uncertainties and focusing on extending cash runways to support key clinical programs8.