#USA #Cambridge #T cell engagers #Deck Bio #DBXO-1

Deck Bio Launches Groundbreaking Multi-Target T Cell Engager Platform

In a pioneering move within the biotechnology sector, Deck Bio officially announced the launch of its innovative multi-target T cell engager (TCE) platform, aimed at tackling solid tumors. This unique approach is set to be the focus of preclinical data presentations at the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place from April 17 to 22 in San Diego, California.

Founded by Jack Silberstein, Ph.D., a renowned protein engineer from Stanford University, Deck Bio aims to redefine the landscape of immunotherapy. With the goal of overcoming significant challenges like tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance, the company is focusing on developing differentiated T cell engagers that enhance the effectiveness of current immuno-oncology methods.

Immuno-oncology has reshaped cancer therapies, yet there remains a considerable unmet medical need, especially in expanding treatment eligibility for solid tumors. Traditional T cell engagers have demonstrated promise in hematologic cancers but are struggling to produce similar results for solid tumors because of their complex nature, including antigen escape and the problem of limited target accessibility.

To address these setbacks, Deck Bio's strategy involves engineering TCEs that target unique peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) proteins. This multi-target strategy allows these T cell engagers to access a broader range of intracellular cancer targets previously unreachable by conventional biologics. Unlike earlier T cell engagers that focus on a single antigen, Deck Bio's candidates can recognize multiple tumor-specific targets with a single engineered binder, increasing the specificity towards tumors while minimizing resistance risks and simplifying the treatment structure.

“Deck Bio was founded to confront major challenges in cancer targeting, specifically the limitations tied to single-antigen strategies and the difficulty associated with reaching intracellular targets safely,” stated Dr. Silberstein. “Our multi-target approach enhances the odds for patients and efficiently directs development towards crucial aspects like safety, patient accessibility, and treatment durability.”

At the core of this innovative platform is a proprietary system that merges a stabilized T cell receptor domain (dbTv™) with a T cell engaging arm, optimizing the T cell engager’s format (dbTCE™) for stability and manufacturability akin to traditional antibodies. Complementing this is the company's dbSCOPE™, a unique specificity profiling tool that evaluates off-target interactions, enabling the design of therapies with high selectivity.

“Our mission is to widen the spectrum of T cell engagers in the domain of solid tumors where patient needs remain largely unmet,” said Dr. Johanna Kaufmann, Chief Scientific Officer at Deck Bio. “By integrating multi-target recognition with in-depth specificity profiling and enhanced molecular stability, we are developing a platform designed to boost both efficacy and safety along with scalable manufacturing capabilities, all essential for translating scientific advancements into meaningful patient benefits.”

Since its inception in 2023, Deck Bio has successfully attracted around $3.1 million in funding support from evaluated sources such as Mission BioCapital, the American Cancer Society's BrightEdge, and Impact Ventures Partners Fund. The urgency for innovative T cell engagers has seen a marked increase within the industry, positioning Deck Bio strategically as it introduces next-generation solutions aimed to surpass the constraints of existing oncology therapies.

The flagship program, DBXO-1, represents a multi-target T cell engager under development for major solid tumor indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer. Full details about DBXO-1 will be discussed during its presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting.

Conference Presentation Details:

• - Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1 (PO.IM01.16)
• - Abstract Title: Preclinical characterization of DBXO-1, a multi-pMHC targeted bispecific T cell engager for major solid tumors
• - Date: April 20, 2026
• - Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST
• - Poster ID: 1632

About Deck Bio

Deck Bio is at the forefront of biotechnology, focusing on creating cutting-edge immunotherapies aimed at unleashing the full potential of T cell engagers for treating solid tumors. The company implements an advanced platform of multi-pMHC targeted T cell engagers designed to enhance safety, improve patient access, and increase the durability of responses. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Deck Bio is committed to delivering innovative therapies tailored to address critical unmet needs in oncology.

For further details, please visit deck.bio or connect with us on LinkedIn.