ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. announced today that its subsidiary has secured advisory services and up to $140,000 in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to advance its mRNA therapeutic program targeting myeloid cell biology for cancer and inflammatory disease treatment.
The Vancouver-based preclinical biotechnology company specializes in novel immuno-oncology therapeutics that target immune suppression in cancer. This latest funding builds upon previous support from NRC IRAP and will specifically accelerate preclinical studies for mRNA therapeutic candidates targeting key myeloid cell pathways.
"We are pleased to receive this support from NRC IRAP, which builds on advisory services and funding received in past years," said Salim Dhanji, CEO of ME Therapeutics. "Our team passionately believes myeloid cell-derived mRNA therapies represent the next wave of treatments for patients with cancer and inflammatory disease who today have limited treatment options, and we are committed to bringing these potential new approaches to the clinic as soon as possible."
Innovative mRNA Technology Platform
ME Therapeutics has developed proprietary mRNA sequences engineered to encode proteins that can modify immune responses in vivo in a targeted manner. The company's approach focuses on modulating myeloid cells, which play a critical role in the tumor microenvironment and can significantly impact anti-cancer immunity.
The lead mRNA therapeutic candidate is specifically designed to modulate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. Early research shows promise, with preclinical testing demonstrating encouraging anti-cancer activity in a mouse model of colorectal cancer.
Beyond its lead candidate, the company is exploring design modifications of its mRNA candidates to achieve tissue-specific expression, which could potentially enhance both efficacy and safety profiles of these novel therapeutics.
Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment
The tumor microenvironment presents a significant challenge in cancer treatment, as it often contains immunosuppressive elements that protect cancer cells from the body's immune system. Myeloid cells are particularly important in this context, as they can either promote or inhibit anti-tumor immune responses depending on their state.
ME Therapeutics' approach aims to overcome the suppressive effects of myeloid cells to enhance anti-cancer immunity. By reprogramming these cells through mRNA therapeutics, the company hopes to shift the balance toward an environment that supports immune-mediated tumor destruction.
Future Development Plans
With the new funding, ME Therapeutics will continue advancing its preclinical studies, with the goal of moving toward clinical trials. The company's technology platform has potential applications beyond cancer, including inflammatory diseases where myeloid cell dysfunction plays a role.
The mRNA therapeutic field has gained significant attention following the success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, demonstrating the versatility and potential of this technology platform. ME Therapeutics is positioning itself at the forefront of applying mRNA technology specifically to cancer immunotherapy and inflammatory disease treatment.
As a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: METX) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: Q9T), ME Therapeutics continues to develop its business while advancing its scientific research in the competitive immuno-oncology landscape.
