Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIR) is set to present initial Phase 1 data from its dual-masked T-cell engager programs at a virtual investor event on January 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET. The event will focus on VIR-5818, which targets HER2-expressing solid tumors, and VIR-5500, aimed at PSMA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
The presentation will also include updates on Vir's PRO-XTEN masking platform, which is designed to improve the therapeutic window of T-cell engagers by reducing off-target effects and enhancing tumor-specific activity. T-cell engagers represent a promising class of cancer immunotherapies that redirect a patient's own T cells to recognize and kill tumor cells.
VIR-5818: Targeting HER2-Expressing Solid Tumors
VIR-5818 is a dual-masked T-cell engager designed to target a variety of solid tumors that express HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). HER2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in several cancers, including breast, gastric, and ovarian cancers. Approximately 15-30% of breast cancers are HER2-positive, contributing to aggressive tumor growth and metastasis. VIR-5818 aims to selectively activate T cells in the tumor microenvironment, minimizing systemic toxicity.
VIR-5500: Targeting PSMA in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
VIR-5500 is engineered to target PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen), a protein highly expressed on prostate cancer cells, particularly in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). mCRPC represents an advanced stage of prostate cancer that no longer responds to androgen deprivation therapy. PSMA is an attractive target because of its limited expression in normal tissues, making it a suitable target for T-cell engager therapy. VIR-5500 seeks to redirect T cells to PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells, inducing targeted cell death.
PRO-XTEN Masking Technology
Vir Biotechnology utilizes the PRO-XTEN masking platform, licensed from Sanofi, to enhance the specificity and safety of its T-cell engagers. The PRO-XTEN technology involves the use of protease-cleavable linkers that mask the T-cell engager, preventing it from binding to T cells in circulation. The mask is designed to be cleaved by proteases that are enriched in the tumor microenvironment, leading to selective activation of T cells at the tumor site. This approach aims to reduce systemic immune activation and improve the therapeutic index of T-cell engagers.
The virtual investor event will be webcast live on the Vir Biotechnology investor relations website (https://investors.vir.bio/) and archived for 30 days. This event is anticipated to provide valuable insights into Vir Biotechnology's oncology pipeline and the potential of PRO-XTEN masked T-cell engagers in treating solid tumors and mCRPC.
