On April 17, 2023 KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, Inc., a biotech company developing cutting-edge, multi-mechanistic oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs, reported the presentation of new data on its lead pre-clinical candidate VET3-TGI presented in a poster session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) in Orlando, Florida (Press release, KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, APR 17, 2023, View Source [SID1234630205]). VET3-TGI is based on KaliVir’s unique Vaccinia Enhanced Template (VET) platform, capable of generating potent novel oncolytic vaccinia viruses with modifications to maximize viral replication and to enhance intravenous delivery and spread. VET3-TGI incorporates modifications granting the expression of CXCR3, IL-12 and a TGF-β inhibitor, allowing for efficient trafficking to the tumor, activation of anti-tumor immune responses and overcoming of local immunosuppressive activity.

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The functionality and therapeutic activity of VET3-TGI were tested in multiple murine in vivo tumor models, and the mechanism of action and toxicity profile were assessed. VET3-TGI demonstrated potent therapeutic activity, even at doses several logs below equivalent clinical doses and in the presence of pre-existing anti-viral immunity. Mechanism of action studies confirmed enhanced IL-12 expression and reduced suppression of CD8 T cells mediated through blockade of TGF-β, and indicate that the therapeutic efficacy of VET3-TGI is associated with considerable modification of the tumor microenvironment. The data presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) also includes preliminary toxicity studies demonstrating the safety of VET3-TGI.

"This new in vivo data represents a significant validation of our lead pre-clinical candidate and builds upon the already robust in vitro data to further demonstrate the efficacy and safety of VET3-TGI in multiple tumor types," said Stephen Thorne, PhD, CSO and co-founder of KaliVir. "This is an exciting time for KaliVir as we expand our lead program into the next phase to develop a human version of the virus for efficacy and toxicology testing."

Presentation details

Date:

Wednesday, April 19th 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET

Title:

The oncolytic virus VET3-TGI both blocks TGF-beta signaling and activates type 2 IFN responses, resulting in potent therapeutic responses in multiple mouse models

Presented by:

Ravikumar Muthuswamy, Ph.D. Director of Immunology, KaliVir Immunotherapeutics

Poster number:

6789/5

Location:

Orange County Convention Center Level 2, West Hall B-E1, Section 44