On February 24, 2025 Vicero, Inc., a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation VINCOBODIES for immune-mediated diseases, reported compelling safety and efficacy data for VCR-036, its novel dual-targeting immunotherapy candidate (Press release, Vicero Bio, FEB 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234650494]). The findings, which demonstrate the potential of this pentavalent PD-1/CTLA-4 antibody to treat solid tumors, have been selected for late-breaker presentation at the inaugural American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Immuno-oncology (AACR IO) Conference.
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!
"These results highlight the potential of our bispecific PD-1/CTLA-4 program to redefine combination immunotherapy," said Vikram Kansra, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicero. "Our VINCOBODY platform enables the development of multi-specific therapies designed to deliver the efficacy of dual checkpoint blockade while mitigating the toxicity challenges associated with traditional monoclonal antibodies. The promising data for VCR-036 reinforce our commitment to expanding the therapeutic window for patients with solid tumors and advancing the next generation of immuno-oncology treatments."
Key findings from the preclinical studies include:
Superior safety profile with 100% survival rate compared to 50% survival with standard combination therapy
Complete tumor regression achieved with 5 mg/kg dosing, with sustained remission after tumor rechallenge
Favorable pharmacokinetics supporting potential dosing of ~1 mg flat subcutaneous dose every 6 weeks in humans
Significantly reduced immune-related adverse events compared to combination pembrolizumab/ipilimumab therapy
"The demonstrated efficacy and safety profile of VCR-036, combined with its convenient six-week subcutaneous dosing schedule, uniquely positions this therapy to potentially address a significant unmet need in the large checkpoint inhibitor market," said Alison Finger, Chief Operating Officer of Vicero. "These attributes could offer meaningful advantages for patients and reduce the treatment burden while creating substantial value in the immunotherapy landscape. We look forward to advancing this program to the clinic."
Poster Presentation Details
Title: VCR-036 VINCOBODY: A novel, highly potent, pentavalent, toxicity-sparing PD 1/CTLA-4 VHH neutralizer with robust pre-clinical safety and efficacy
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 25, 1:45–4:45 pm
Session: Poster Session B (Poster number #LB-B009)
Presenter: Vikram Kansra, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicero, Inc.
The poster will be available on www.vicerobio.com following the conference.
About VINCOBODIES
VINCOBODIES are an advancement in antibody engineering, leveraging single monomeric variable domains to offer key advantages over traditional antibody therapies. These next-generation molecules are designed to selectively target cytokines, enhancing the body’s natural immune response while achieving superior tissue penetration. With exceptional stability—remaining functional at temperatures up to 90ºC across diverse pH conditions—VINCOBODIES also streamline manufacturing and enable high-yield, high-concentration production. Most notably, their unique structural properties allow them to engage multiple targets with high affinity and avidity using a single scaffold, potentially unlocking new therapeutic possibilities.