Verismo Therapeutics' Groundbreaking Presentation on SynKIR™-110
Verismo Therapeutics, a pioneer in CAR T technology, has made significant strides in cancer treatment with the announcement of promising preclinical data for their innovative therapy, SynKIR™-110. This announcement was made during the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2025 Annual Meeting, highlighting the potential of this new therapy to transform the treatment landscape for solid tumors.
An Overview of SynKIR™-110
SynKIR™-110 is a novel KIR-CAR T therapy that has been engineered to target mesothelin, a protein commonly expressed in various solid tumors. The data presented showcases its enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional CAR T therapies, which have historically faced challenges in treating such tumors effectively.
Highlights from the Presentation
The oral presentation, led by Dr. Nora Yucel, Principal Scientist at Verismo Therapeutics, focused on several key findings:
- - Enhanced Tumor-Specific Killing: In vitro studies demonstrated that SynKIR™-110 effectively targets and kills MSLN-expressing tumor cells, while also minimizing unwanted side effects. This precision marks a significant advance over conventional CAR T therapies.
- - Reduced Exhaustion and Improved Persistence: The preclinical results revealed that SynKIR™-110 exhibits lower markers of activation and exhaustion, suggesting that the therapy allows CAR T cells greater longevity and better function in targeting tumors.
- - Robust Anti-Tumor Effects in Animal Models: Tests conducted on NSG mice with mesothelioma indicated that SynKIR™-110 not only shrank tumors but also prevented their spread, showcasing its potential as a therapeutic option.
- - Selective Activity: One of the notable findings was the reduced off-target activation of SynKIR™-110, meaning it remains concentrated in tumor tissues rather than affecting normal ones, which is a common drawback of existing CAR T designs.
Expert Insights
Dr. Laura Johnson, CSO/COO of Verismo Therapeutics, remarked, "Conventional CAR therapies often struggle with efficacy and safety challenges when dealing with solid tumors. Our SynKIR™ platform provides a fresh approach that could mitigate these issues, allowing for CAR cells to recover when not engaged with the tumors, ultimately reducing exhaustion while enhancing tumor-specific activity."
Current Clinical Trials
Currently, SynKIR™-110 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials targeting advanced cancers, including ovarian cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. The therapy has already received Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations from the FDA specifically for mesothelioma, underscoring its potential to meet significant medical needs.
About Verismo Therapeutics
Verismo Therapeutics, a subsidiary of HLB Innovation, stands at the forefront of developing multi-chain KIR-CAR technology. With other assets like SynKIR™-310 in the pipeline, the company is actively focused on addressing urgent needs in cancer treatment. Their innovative KIR-CAR platform aims to offer a more effective option for patients grappling with solid tumors and blood-related malignancies.
The Future of CAR T Therapy
The KIR-CAR platform represents a paradigm shift in CAR T treatments, particularly in the challenging arena of solid tumors, where traditional therapies have often faltered. By leveraging the unique capabilities of NK cell-derived receptors, SynKIR™-110 could provide a more effective response against tumor immunosuppression, paving the way for improved outcomes in oncology.
In summary, the data presented at SITC 2025 marks a crucial step forward for Verismo Therapeutics and the broader field of cancer immunotherapy, promising a brighter future for patients facing solid tumors.
For more detailed information about their studies and ongoing clinical trials, visit Verismo Therapeutics’ official website.