Lion TCR, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapies, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with FDA Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance for its proprietary TCR-T cell therapy, LioCyx-M004, in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This approval marks the first TCR-T therapy to enter clinical development for chronic hepatitis B, targeting a global population exceeding 290 million patients.
The IND clearance represents the third major regulatory achievement for LioCyx-M004, following earlier Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for the treatment of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). The authorization enables Lion TCR to commence phase 1b/2 clinical studies in CHB patients.
Innovative mRNA-Encoded TCR-T Platform
LioCyx-M004 represents an innovative autologous cell therapy engineered using mRNA to encode T-cell receptors that specifically target hepatitis B virus antigens. Preclinical and early clinical studies have demonstrated the therapy's ability to reduce viral antigen load and promote T-cell-mediated clearance of infected cells, while maintaining a favorable safety profile to date.
"This triple recognition from the FDA underscores the transformative potential of LioCyx-M004 and validates our strategic approach targeting HBV-associated diseases through TCR-T cell therapy," said Dr. Xiaoming Peng, CEO of Lion TCR. "Having demonstrated promising anti-tumor and antiviral activity in liver cancer, we are now well-positioned to evaluate its impact on the underlying viral infection that drives cancer development."
Therapeutic Versatility and Clinical Potential
The company's ability to redirect its lead candidate from oncology to virology demonstrates the remarkable versatility of its platform technology. Dr. Tina Wang, Chief Medical Officer of Lion TCR, emphasized the therapy's potential as a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B infection.
The company's mRNA-encoded in vivo TCR-T therapy targeting HBV has gained validation from a prominent U.S. cancer research institute. Studies have demonstrated significant efficacy in eliminating HBV-positive cells in animal models, with therapeutic effects comparable to ex vivo engineered T cells.
Advantages of In Vivo TCR-T Platform
Lion TCR is actively advancing its in vivo TCR-T therapy approach, which offers distinct advantages over traditional ex vivo T cell therapies. The in vivo platform provides shorter production cycles, reduced costs, and enhanced accessibility, potentially expanding treatment opportunities for patients worldwide.
Regulatory Recognition and Future Pipeline
The company's earlier regulatory achievements include Orphan Drug designation, which provides incentives for therapies targeting rare diseases such as HBV-HCC in the United States, and Fast Track status, designed to accelerate the development and review of treatments for serious conditions addressing unmet medical needs.
Lion TCR is enhancing its AI-powered TCR discovery platform with plans to expand its product pipeline to address additional solid tumor indications, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers. The company's diversified portfolio includes both autologous cell therapies and off-the-shelf treatments, with a dedicated focus on developing in vivo TCR-T therapies aimed at significantly reducing costs and improving treatment accessibility.
