Akari Therapeutics, Plc (NASDAQ:AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel RNA splicing modulator payloads, today announced a strategic research collaboration with Whitehawk Therapeutics, a clinical-stage oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently develop improved ADC cancer treatments. Under the collaboration, the companies will conduct a series of focused preclinical studies evaluating Akari's proprietary PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload technology in combination with Whitehawk’s topoisomerase I inhibitor (TOP1i) ADC platform.

Akari will lead the design, execution and evaluation of the research activities. The initial collaboration will include multiple preclinical workstreams designed to assess dual payload compatibility and synergies, while generating data intended to guide future development decisions and potential broader collaboration opportunities between the companies.

The collaboration is expected to commence immediately, with interim data updates anticipated as studies progress. Both companies will jointly review resulting data and determine whether findings support broader development discussions.