HCW Biologics Inc. has announced breakthrough preclinical results for its novel multi-specific T-cell engagers targeting solid tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer, achieving 100% survival rates in tumor-bearing mice during preclinical studies. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developed these second-generation therapeutics using its proprietary TRBC product discovery and development platform technology.
Revolutionary Dual-Action Mechanism
The TRBC technology enabled HCW Biologics to construct T-cell engagers that not only target cancer antigens and activate CD3 effector T cells, but also simultaneously reduce immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. This dual mechanism addresses a critical challenge in solid tumor treatment, as immunosuppression plays a pivotal role in reducing effector T-cell infiltration and anti-tumor efficacy.
"In our preclinical studies, after treatment with our TRBC-based T-cell engagers, there was 100% survival among tumor-bearing mice in the test group, whereas none of the untreated mice survived," stated Dr. Hing C. Wong, Founder and CEO of HCW Biologics.
Targeting Proven Solid Tumor Antigens
The company's two lead T-cell engagers target tissue factor and mesothelin, which are established solid tumor antigens. These product candidates demonstrated potent and antigen-specific anti-pancreatic cancer activities both in vitro and in humanized mouse models at dose levels that were well tolerated.
Dr. Wong emphasized the significance of these findings: "T-cell engagers revolutionized the immunotherapeutic approach against cancer. Currently, T-cell engagers have approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be used in the treatment of a small number of indications, including various hematological and solid tumors. Now, we are very excited to report that our proprietary TRBC product discovery platform can be used to create potentially highly effective T-cell engagers against difficult-to-treat solid tumors."
Expanding Treatment Possibilities
The company believes its approach could expand the number of indications treatable with T-cell engagers, potentially enhancing healthspan for patients suffering from solid tumors, especially challenging diseases such as pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma.
Versatile TRBC Platform Technology
The TRBC platform represents a versatile scaffold that enables the creation of multiple classes of immunotherapeutic compounds, including Multi-Functional Immune Cell Stimulators, Second-Generation Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, and Multi-Specific Targeting Fusions and Enhanced Immune Cell Engagers. HCW Biologics has constructed over 50 molecules using the TRBC platform, with lead candidates including HCW11-002, HCW11-006, HCW11-018 and HCW11-027 currently undergoing further preclinical evaluation studies.
Clinical Development Path
Dr. Wong will present details of these IND-enabling studies as an invited speaker for the Phoenix Best Science Series, hosted by HonorHealth Research Institute at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, on June 27, 2025.
HCW Biologics focuses on discovering and developing novel immunotherapies to lengthen healthspan by disrupting the link between inflammation and age-related diseases. The company's immunotherapeutics represent a new class of drugs designed to treat diseases promoted by chronic inflammation, including many types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
