On March 21, 2019 BioInvent International AB (OMXS: BINV), focused on the discovery and development of novel and first-in-class immuno-regulatory antibody-based medicines generated by its proprietary platforms, reported a comprehensive program to target TNFR2 for therapy of cancer (Press release, BioInvent, MAR 21, 2019, View Source [SID1234534525]). Using the n-CoDeR & F.I.R.S.T. platforms, the company has generated a broad panel of highly specific anti-TNFR2 antibodies, including the lead candidate antibody BI-1808, that may have broad utility in the treatment of solid cancers. BI-1808 is currently in preclinical development, and expected to enter clinical trials in the first half of 2020.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
Tumor necrosis factor 2 (TNFR2) is viewed as a highly promising receptor to target to overcome immune resistance in the tumor microenvironment. TNFR2 is found predominantly on regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in tumor tissue and has in several studies been associated with the most suppressive Treg cells. TNFR2 is known to play an important role both in the proliferation and function, as well as phenotypic stability of Treg cells. TNFR2 is also strongly associated with so called myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor milieu and has been shown to both drive their accumulation and suppressive function. Its relatively selective expression together with its important function in the overall immune suppressive tumor microenvironment make TNFR2 a very compelling immune oncology target. Supporting preclinical data are expected to be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal late 2019.
Björn Frendéus, CSO of BioInvent, said, "We believe targeting TNFR2 for cancer therapy holds great promise. Thanks to our proprietary n-CoDeR & F.I.R.S.T. platforms we have been able to generate first-in class anti-TNRF2 antibodies that are highly specific. We are pushing our first lead candidate BI-1808 towards the clinic, and are on track to commence clinical development in the first half of 2020."