Investigators from Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG recently presented data for their antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) SECN-15 that targets and downregulates the expression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a transmembrane co-receptor that promotes tumor progression in several tumor types, including breast and gastric cancers.
Evidence suggests the composition of the gut microbiome modulates a tumor’s response to therapy. Maat Pharma SA has thus developed Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies (METs) that replicate, at a large scale, the effects of the gut microbiome in people who respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
The overexpression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is tied to poor prognosis in several cancer types, including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, and is therefore a potential therapeutic target in these cancers. In this regard, Avammune Therapeutics Inc. is developing an ENPP1 inhibitor – AVA-NP-695.
Abilita Therapeutics Inc. has developed a novel approach targeting CCR8 – ABT-863 – that works as a potent inverse agonist to block CCL1-dependent and basal receptor signaling.
T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCEs) are engineered molecules designed to bring cytotoxic T cells into proximity with tumor cells, triggering a targeted, antigen-dependent immune attack. However, TCE may activate T cells in healthy tissues, leading to off-tumor toxicity.
IL-2 is clinically validated as an immunotherapeutic, but its use is limited by toxicity issues. AZD-6750 is an approach from Astrazeneca plc that applies cis-guiding to deliver a modified IL-2 mutein to CD8+ T cells.
HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have significantly improved cancer therapy in recent decades. However, ADCs can cause toxicity and resistance, while T-cell engagers (TCEs) show promising antitumor activity in solid tumors but are limited by substantial adverse effects.
Researchers from Synthekine Inc. presented preclinical efficacy data on STK-012, a first-in-class IL-2 partial agonist engineered for preferential binding to the IL-2Rαβγ receptor.
