Apogenix AG
Preclinical Efficacy Data of Apogenix’ HERA-CD40L Published in Journal of Immunotherapy
DGAP-News: Apogenix AG / Key word(s): Scientific publication Preclinical Efficacy Data of Apogenix’ HERA-CD40L Published in Journal of Immunotherapy HERA-CD40L Induces T-Cell-Mediated Anti-Tumor Immune Response through Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells Heidelberg, Germany, October 11, 2018 – Apogenix, a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation immuno-oncology therapeutics, announced today that new data published in Journal of Immunotherapy[1] demonstrate the potent anti-tumor efficacy of Apogenix’ HERA-CD40L. HERA-CD40L acts directly on cells of the innate immune system as well as on antigen-presenting cells, thereby promoting specific T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. In contrast to antibodies, HERA-CD40L does not depend on Fcγ receptor-mediated crosslinking for activity. As the first pure CD40 receptor agonist with a well-defined mechanism of action, HERA-CD40L is not restrained by dose-limiting toxicities observed with anti-CD40 antibodies. The strong anti-tumor efficacy of HERA-CD40L was demonstrated in multiple in vitro and in vivo tumor models. A comprehensive in vitro analysis of the mechanism of action revealed that HERA-CD40L induced the development of pro-inflammatory antigen-presenting cells, including B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Specifically, HERA-CD40L promoted a shift in the balance from tumor-promoting (M2-type) macrophages to anti-tumor (M1-type) macrophages. The potent antigen-specific activation of T cells by HERA-CD40L-treated macrophages led to an immune response specifically directed against the tumor. This is an important advantage over numerous other immunotherapeutic approaches that often cause serious side effects due to non-specific activation of the immune system. HERA-CD40L is perfectly suitable for standard large-scale production processes. The mechanism of action of HERA-CD40L as a central mediator of T cell activation and co-stimulation predestines this molecule for combination with other therapeutic methods, such as radiotherapy or checkpoint inhibition. “HERA-CD40L is a novel TNF superfamily receptor agonist based on our proprietary HERA-ligand technology platform that has demonstrated a strong anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical tumor models,” said Harald Fricke, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Apogenix. “CD40 is a key target because it has a unique role in initiating an antigen-specific immune response against tumors. We will continue to apply our HERA-ligand technology to address other TNF superfamily receptors that play a critical role in the anti-tumor immune response and evaluate the synergistic potential of these development candidates in combination with traditional cancer therapies as well as other immuno-oncology therapeutics.” About Apogenix In 2015, asunercept was exclusively licensed to CANbridge Life Sciences for the development and commercialization for the treatment of glioblastoma in China, Macao, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. CANbridge has received approval by the China Food and Drug Administration for a pivotal phase II/III trial with asunercept (CAN008) in glioblastoma in China. The HERA-TRAIL receptor agonist program was partnered with AbbVie in 2014. In 2017, AbbVie initiated a phase I trial with this HERA-TRAIL receptor agonist (ABBV-621) in patients suffering from solid tumors, non-Hodgkins’s lymphoma, or acute myeloid leukemia. About HERA-Ligands Contact
11.10.2018 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG. |