WestGene Biopharma's mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine, WGc-043, has achieved a significant milestone by securing dual Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals from both China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the US FDA. This marks the world's first IND-approved mRNA vaccine targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related cancers in both the United States and China, paving the way for Phase I clinical trials.
Innovative Technology Behind WGc-043
WGc-043 stands out due to its innovative design, incorporating AI-assisted antigen screening to select the broadest and safest protein sequences. A unique immuno-enhancer (IE) is integrated into the mRNA molecule to boost the patient's anti-tumor immunity. This approach aims to generate cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs), antigen-specific antibodies, and memory T-cells, potentially delivering anti-cancer effects comparable to combined CAR-T and monoclonal antibody therapies while preventing tumor recurrence.
Furthermore, WGc-043 utilizes a newly developed lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system, patented in multiple countries, which has demonstrated safety and delivery efficiency in clinical trials across three of WestGene's proprietary products.
Targeting EBV-Related Cancers
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), infects over 90% of the global population and is linked to more than ten malignancies. These include nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphoma, gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. WGc-043 is now approved for clinical trials in both countries for the treatment of EBV-positive solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, offering a new immunotherapy option with promising preliminary data suggesting excellent safety and anti-tumor activity.
Clinical Trial Data and Market Potential
WGc-043 has already completed investigator-initiated trials (IITs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and natural killer T-cell lymphoma, demonstrating superior safety and efficacy compared to existing mRNA cancer vaccines. This positions it as a potential breakthrough in mRNA immunotherapy for EBV-positive tumors, addressing a significant unmet medical need.
WestGene's Broader Pipeline
WestGene has established five R&D platforms and boasts a pipeline of over 20 products, including mRNA cancer vaccines, mRNA preventive vaccines for infectious diseases, and therapeutic drugs for conditions such as obesity and aging. In addition to the IND approval for WGc-043, WestGene's novel nano-adjuvant WGa01 received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in China last year, marking a significant milestone in domestic production.
