Indaptus Therapeutics, Inc. and BeiGene have announced a clinical supply agreement to evaluate a novel cancer treatment combination. The collaboration will focus on combining BeiGene's anti-PD-1 antibody, tislelizumab, with Indaptus’ Decoy20, a systemic immune stimulator. This agreement aims to leverage the potential synergistic effects of these two investigational drugs in treating various cancers.
Rationale Behind the Combination Therapy
Indaptus’ Decoy20 is designed to induce a broad immune response to fight cancer. Preclinical studies have indicated that Decoy20, when combined with a PD-1 inhibitor and an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, demonstrated tumor eradication rates of 80-100% in animal models. These promising results have paved the way for human clinical evaluation.
Jeffrey Meckler, CEO of Indaptus Therapeutics, stated, "PD-1 inhibitors have proven to be meaningful in treating multiple types of cancer. We are optimistic that we can improve outcomes by broadly and safely stimulating the immune system in a way that could enhance overall effectiveness of currently approved cancer treatments."
Clinical Trial Details and Design
The planned clinical trial is expected to commence in 2025, pending FDA approval. BeiGene will supply tislelizumab and provide technical expertise to facilitate the trial. Decoy20 utilizes Indaptus’ "Pulse-Prime" approach, which aims to deliver a strong, broad boost to the immune system with transient and tolerable side effects.
Dr. Michael Newman, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Indaptus, commented, "This trial could reshape the checkpoint therapy landscape, as it will be the first time a short but broadly acting agent such as Decoy20, utilizing our innovative Pulse-Prime approach, will be tested in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor."
Decoy20 Mechanism and Potential
Decoy20 is being studied for its potential to treat a variety of cancers, including liver cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The drug is designed to activate both innate and adaptive immune cells and pathways. Preclinical data suggest that Decoy product candidates, in combination with anti-PD-1 checkpoint therapy, low-dose chemotherapy, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or an approved, targeted antibody, can lead to tumor eradication and immunological memory.
About Tislelizumab
Tislelizumab is an anti-PD-1 antibody developed by BeiGene. PD-1 inhibitors are a class of immunotherapy drugs that block the PD-1 (programmed death-1) receptor on T cells, preventing cancer cells from evading immune detection. By inhibiting the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2) on tumor cells, these drugs restore the ability of the adaptive arm of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
