The Rise of Claudin18.2 in Gastric Cancer

Despite continuous advances in oncology treatment, gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, particularly in Asia. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting surgical options and resulting in poor prognosis.

Current treatment strategies — including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy — provide limited survival benefits. Therefore, identifying highly specific therapeutic targets has become a critical priority.

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Claudin18.2: A Highly Specific Target

Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a tight junction protein primarily expressed in gastric epithelial cells.

• Low expression in normal tissues
• High expression in tumors
• Surface exposure during tumorigenesis

This unique biology makes it an ideal precision therapy target.

Studies show:

• ~80% of gastrointestinal tumors express CLDN18.2
• ~60% of pancreatic cancers
• Also present in esophageal and lung cancers

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Clinical Breakthrough: Zolbetuximab

A major milestone is the approval of Zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CLDN18.2.

It is approved for:

First-line treatment of CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer

Key Phase III Results:

Endpoint	Combination Therapy	Control
PFS	8.21 months	6.8 months
OS	14.39 months	12.16 months

✔ Significant reduction in progression and death risk
✔ Validates CLDN18.2 as a clinical target

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Technology Landscape: Beyond Antibodies

1. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)

• Most mature pathway
• Closest to commercialization

2. CAR-T Therapy (CT041)

• ORR: 37.8%
• DCR: 75.5%

✔ Breakthrough potential in solid tumors

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3. Emerging Modalities

• Bispecific antibodies
• Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

These approaches enhance:

• Tumor targeting precision
• Immune activation
• Cytotoxic delivery efficiency

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Industry Trend: Entering a Boom Phase

• Dozens of pipelines globally
• Multiple modalities advancing simultaneously
• Strong participation from Chinese biotech companies

CLDN18.2 is rapidly becoming a platform-level target in oncology.

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Future Outlook

The field is moving toward:

Combination Therapies

• Targeted therapy + Immunotherapy + Chemotherapy

Expansion to Other Tumors

• Pancreatic cancer
• Lung cancer

Improved Accessibility

• Manufacturing optimization
• Global supply chain enhancement

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Conclusion

The rise of Claudin18.2 marks a shift toward:

Precision, multi-modality, and globally scalable cancer treatment

From monoclonal antibodies to CAR-T and ADCs, this target is reshaping the solid tumor treatment landscape.

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About DengYueMed

DengYueMed focuses on:

• Oncology
• Rare diseases

Through global distribution and compliant supply systems, we connect:

Innovative pharmaceutical companies → Healthcare providers → Patients worldwide

As next-generation therapies accelerate, efficient global access becomes just as important as scientific innovation.