Advantages
- Demonstrated anti-tumor effects at the target lesions and non-target lesions.* Non target lesions are non-administered site of the drug.
- May be applicable in any case because of the activation of anti-tumor immunity without the necessity of adjuvants, neoantigens, or T cell modification.
Technology Overview & Background
Numerous caner immunotherapies have been developed. The basic concept is to maintain the activity and number of T cells that attack tumor cells. However, the prevalence of non-responsive cases and the need for personalized treatment strategies underscore the scarcity of actively inducive anti-tumor immunity therapies.
During research into anti-cancer medications, researchers unearthed the unique properties in anti-tumor immunity of apolipoproteins, particularly ApoD. Furthermore, it was revealed that ApoD significantly enhances and stimulates tumor-specific T cells in conjunction with T cell activators such as anti-OX40 agonist antibodies. These activated T cells exhibit anti-tumor effects on distant cancers by migrating, rendering this approach a potentially effective treatment for metastatic cancers. Additionally, the capability of apolipoproteins to increase and activate tumor-specific T cells suggests its potential universality against various tumor types because of its mechanism. This research result will lead to the promising drug for combatting metastatic cancer regardless of its origin.
Patent
- PCT/JP2021/033925 (Entered into JP, US and EP)
Principal Investigator & Academic Institution
Prof. Keisuke NIMURA (Initiative for Advanced Research, Gunma University)
Development Stages & Plans
- Current stage：
Intratumoral administration of Apod protein demonstrated anti tumor effect in tumor-bearing model mice.
Intratumoral administration of Apod protein and OX40 agonist antibody strongly inhibited tumor growth not only at the administration site but also at a distant non-tumor site (Figure). The number of T cells increased significantly at the administered and non-treated sites.
Researcher newly elucidated a systemic anti-tumor mechanism of apolipoprotein.
- Next Step：
We can set up a meeting with the PI to discuss collaboration or R&D.
Additional data can be disclosed under CDA.
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Expectations
TECH MANAGE CORP. is looking for a pharmaceutical company/start-up that is interested in licensing this invention for commercialization on behalf of the University. We can also arrange a meeting with the PI of this invention. Please feel free to contact us with any requests you may have.
Project No. TT-03514