On April 13, 2022 Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc., "Neoleukin" (NASDAQ:NLTX), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing sophisticated computational methods to design de novo protein therapeutics, reported the presentation of preclinical data and a trial in progress overview for its immunotherapy candidate NL-201, an IL-2 and IL-15 agonist, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Neoleukin Therapeutics, APR 13, 2022, View Source [SID1234612162]).

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"The research presented by Neoleukin researchers highlights the potential for NL-201 to treat hematologic cancers. In addition, data generated by our academic collaborators demonstrate synergistic antitumor activity when NL-201 is combined with radiation therapy, including significant inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival in preclinical models," said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Neoleukin. "We believe these data support the potential for NL-201 to provide broad benefit across a range of indications and in combination with other modalities of therapy to improve outcomes for cancer patients."

Details of the poster presentations are as follows:

NL-201, a de novoagonist of IL-2 and IL-15 receptors, demonstrates antitumor activity in preclinical B cell lymphoma models

Presenter: Justin Huard, Neoleukin Therapeutics
Abstract Number: 4227

NL-201 promotes in vitro cytotoxicity as a single agent and increases antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody.
NL-201 monotherapy demonstrates antitumor activity in the human Pfeiffer xenograft lymphoma model.
NL-201 demonstrates robust monotherapy antitumor activity in the syngeneic murine A20 B cell lymphoma model and results in potent combination activity when NL-201 is combined with anti-PD-1 therapy.
These findings support the evaluation of NL-201 in a planned clinical study in patients with B cell lymphomas and other hematological malignancies.
NL-201, a de novo engineered IL2/IL15 mimic, synergizes with radiation to generate potent antitumor immunity

First author: Wen Jiang, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract Number: 2067

NL-201, in combination with radiotherapy (RT), is well-tolerated in murine models and elicits robust antitumor activity through both innate and adaptive responses, including in checkpoint resistant tumors and brain metastases.
NL-201 in combination with radiation therapy enhances activation of the cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway.
The immune mechanisms triggered by NL-201 plus radiation result in superior tumor growth inhibition and survival in both localized and metastatic murine breast cancers.
Results support further investigation of this novel combination regimen in localized and metastatic cancers.
A first-in-human Phase 1 study of NL-201 in patients with relapsed or refractory cancer

First author: Aung Naing, M.D., Professor, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Abstract Number: CT250

The multinational, first-in-human, open-label Phase 1 trial of NL-201 monotherapy is assessing the safety profile, recommended Phase 2 dose and treatment schedule in patients with advanced and/or refractory solid tumors.
The primary objectives are to assess the safety and toxicity profile of NL-201 and define the recommended Phase 2 dose and treatment schedule.
Enrollment is ongoing at sites in North America and Australia (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04659629).
About NL-201

NL-201 is a de novo protein that acts as an agonist of the IL-2 and IL-15 receptors and is designed to expand cancer-fighting CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells without any bias toward cells expressing the alpha receptor subunit (CD25). Preclinical data highlights the ability of NL-201 to stimulate and expand CD8+ and NK cells at very low doses with minimal impact on immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. Treatment with NL-201 in animal models was well-tolerated and induced durable, antitumor activity. Additionally, a low rate of immunogenicity was observed following five weekly doses of NL-201 in non-human primates.