BioAtla and GATC Health have formed a partnership to advance Ozuriftamab vedotin (Oz-V) into a Phase III trial for the treatment of second-line and later (2L+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The partnership has been made possible through a $40 million special purpose vehicle (SPV) transaction, which will see BioAtla receive an initial $5 million from Inversagen AI, a newly established company focused on age-related disease research.
## A New Era in Cancer Treatment
The Oz-V trial is a significant milestone in the development of a new cancer treatment. Oz-V is a conditionally active biologic (CAB) senolytic therapy that has shown promising results in preclinical studies. The treatment works by targeting and eliminating senescent cells, which are thought to contribute to the development and progression of cancer.
BioAtla has previously announced that it has a clear registrational path for Oz-V, with the potential for accelerated approval in the US. The company is now moving to initiate the Phase III pivotal trial, which is expected to begin enrolment in early 2026. In addition to the Phase III trial, BioAtla is also advancing discussions with potential partners to expand the opportunity for Oz-V into HPV-positive solid tumours, including cervical cancer.
## A Partnership for the Future
The partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health is a significant development in the field of cancer research. By working together, the two companies will be able to accelerate the development of Oz-V and bring this promising treatment to patients more quickly. The partnership will also enable the companies to leverage each other’s expertise and resources, which will help to drive innovation and improve outcomes for patients.
In addition to the partnership, Inversagen AI will also be working with BioAtla and GATC Health on research and development of CAB senolytic therapies. This is an exciting development, as senolytic therapies have shown great promise in preclinical studies and have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cancer.
## A Bright Future for Oz-V
The future looks bright for Oz-V, and the partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health is a significant step forward in the development of this promising treatment. With the support of Inversagen AI, BioAtla is well-positioned to accelerate the development of Oz-V and bring this treatment to patients more quickly. As the company continues to advance the development of Oz-V, we can expect to see significant progress in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-positive solid tumours.
The partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the field of cancer research. By working together, these companies are able to drive progress and push the boundaries of what is possible in the treatment of cancer. As we look to the future, it is clear that Oz-V has the potential to make a significant impact in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-positive solid tumours.
BioAtla chairman, CEO and co-founder Jay Short said: “We are excited to announce this partnership for advancing Oz-V into Phase III development for the treatment of patients with OPSCC under this creative, single-asset financing structure which maximises our equity value for our shareholders.” “As we previously announced, we have a clear registrational path with the potential for accelerated approval in the US and are moving to initiate the Phase III pivotal trial, which we anticipate will begin enrolment in early 2026. In addition, we continue to advance discussions with potential partners to expand the opportunity more broadly with Oz-V into HPV-positive solid tumours, including cervical cancer.”
In July 2025, BioAtla presented first-in-human Phase I study data of its anti-cancer therapy, BA3182, targeting those with treatment-refractory metastatic adenocarcinoma. The company’s goal is to advance its pipeline and bring new treatments to patients more quickly. With the partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health, the company is one step closer to achieving this goal.
## The Future of Cancer Treatment
The partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health is a significant development in the field of cancer research. By working together, these companies are able to accelerate the development of Oz-V and bring this promising treatment to patients more quickly. The partnership is also a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the field of cancer research. As we look to the future, it is clear that Oz-V has the potential to make a significant impact in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-positive solid tumours.
The future of cancer treatment looks bright, and the partnership between BioAtla and GATC Health is a significant step forward. With the support of Inversagen AI, BioAtla is well-positioned to accelerate the development of Oz-V and bring this treatment to patients more quickly. As the company continues to advance the development of Oz-V, we can expect to see significant progress in the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer and other HPV-positive solid tumours.
