BioAtla & GATC Health: Oz-V Phase III Oncology Trial
BioAtla and GATC Health to Advance Oz-V into Phase III Trial via $40M Partnership
BioAtla and GATC Health have finalized a $40 million special purpose vehicle (SPV) transaction designed to propel Ozuriftamab vedotin (Oz-V) into a Phase III clinical trial for advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).
The strategic transaction aims to address second-line and later (2L+) treatments for OPSCC, a challenging area of oncology. As part of the deal, BioAtla is slated to receive an initial $5 million from Inversagen AI, a newly formed entity focused on research into age-related diseases. These funds are earmarked for general operations and the upcoming pivotal 2L+ OPSCC trial expenses.
Strategic Financing and AI-Driven Development
Inversagen AI was established through the collaboration of GATC Health and Inversagen. These organizations hold exclusive licenses to senescence AI longevity technologies and BioAtla’s proprietary conditionally active biologic (CAB) longevity technologies, respectively. This synergy reflects the growing importance of AI and digitalization in maintaining financial resilience and optimizing cash flow within the biotech industry.
Key Transaction Milestones:
- ✓ January 30, 2026: Initial closing anticipated alongside Inversagen AI’s first financing round.
- ✓ Q1 2026: Remaining $35 million expected to close, aligned with the Oz-V registrational study launch.
- ✓ Ownership Structure: Inversagen AI will hold a 35% ownership stake in Oz-V, while BioAtla retains 65% across all solid tumor indications.
Clinical Roadmap and Therapeutic Potential
BioAtla’s Chairman and CEO, Jay Short, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the creative financing structure maximizes equity value for shareholders. The Phase III pivotal trial is expected to begin enrollment in early 2026. Beyond OPSCC, the company is exploring opportunities for Oz-V in HPV-positive solid tumours, including cervical cancer.
The partnership also extends into the research and development of CAB senolytic therapies, where BioAtla will maintain rights to cancer therapeutic applications. This builds on clinical progress such as the July 2025 presentation of Phase I data for BA3182, an anti-cancer therapy targeting treatment-refractory metastatic adenocarcinoma.
