Trogenix Ltd has unveiled its Odysseus platform, a novel approach to cancer treatment using precision viral immunotherapy. The platform, built upon Synthetic Super-Enhancer (SSE) technology, aims to selectively target and eradicate aggressive cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Trogenix plans to initiate Phase 1/2 clinical trials for its lead program in glioblastoma (GBM) in 2025.
Odysseus Platform: A New Era in Cancer Therapy
The Odysseus platform leverages engineered DNA elements, known as Synthetic Super-Enhancers (SSEs), that act as docking stations for transcription factors uniquely expressed in aggressive cancer cells. This enables highly selective and potent gene control with multiple layers of safety, including direct tumor injection for localized delivery and self-limiting control mechanisms. The company's approach combines synthetic biology, machine learning, gene therapy, and precision targeting.
"We founded Trogenix to transform cancer treatment from chronic disease management to potentially curative one-time treatments," said Dr. Ken Macnamara, Chief Executive Officer of Trogenix. "Our Synthetic Super-Enhancer technology represents a significant breakthrough in precision cancer therapy, offering unprecedented selectivity in targeting cancer cells and activating the body’s own immune system against tumors, all while leaving healthy cells untouched."
Targeting Glioblastoma with Curative Intent
Trogenix's lead program focuses on glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer with a dismal prognosis, where only 25% of patients survive beyond one year. Preclinical studies have demonstrated curative responses with no toxicity and evidence of persistent anti-tumor immunity. The Odysseus platform delivers a comprehensive attack on cancer through controlled cell killing via targeted expression of cytotoxic payloads, immune modulation to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression, and a unique 'Trojan Horse' approach that reawakens the immune system to provide long-term protection against recurrence.
Expanding the Platform Beyond GBM
Beyond GBM, Trogenix is advancing programs in colorectal cancer liver metastases, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and regenerative medicine. The company aims to submit five Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in five years, demonstrating its commitment to rapidly expanding the application of its platform.
"Our Odysseus platform represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment," said Professor Steve Pollard, Chief Scientific Officer of Trogenix. "By precisely targeting cancer cell states rather than just cell types, we can achieve unprecedented selectivity while activating the body’s own immune system against the tumor. Our preclinical studies in glioblastoma have demonstrated complete responses with no toxicity and evidence of persistent anti-tumor immunity."
