Collaborations For Innovative Cancer Treatment
TREOS Bio Ltd., a pioneering biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation peptide cancer immunotherapies, has recently entered into strategic collaborations with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Junshi Biosciences. This effort marks a significant advancement in the company's clinical research endeavors as they prepare to launch the OBERTO-202 study. This pivotal Phase II clinical trial will explore the efficacy of PolyPEPI1018 in combination with toripalimab and standard care for patients with refractory microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).
A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment
The OBERTO-202 trial will be conducted under the guidance of Prof. Sebastian Stintzing at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a leading institution in medical research and care. Collaborating with 14 other prominent academic hospitals further emphasizes the ambition and support behind this trial. The study will assess the combination treatment of PolyPEPI1018, toripalimab, and traditional care (Lonsurf and Avastin) against standard care alone, engaging approximately 140 participants battling relapsed or refractory MSS CRC.
Seeking New Solutions Amidst Unmet Needs
Dr. Christopher Gallen, the Chairman and CEO of TREOS Bio, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating it reflects a milestone in demonstrating their precision immunotherapy approach in a large market with critical medical needs. With the recent completion of a $2.1 million bridge financing round, accumulating a total of $47 million raised to date, TREOS Bio is poised to take vital steps towards advancing their lead program.
Innovative Mechanisms in Cancer Therapy
Dr. Hagop Youssoufian, Chair of Medical Strategy at TREOS Bio, highlighted the rational foundation behind the Phase II trial, focusing on PolyPEPI1018's capabilities. This active immunotherapy is designed to transform immunologically “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors, which significantly enhances the body's immune response against cancer. The therapy has shown encouraging results in three earlier Phase I/II trials involving a total of 44 patients with advanced MSS CRC. These trials, conducted alongside the Mayo Clinic, presented consistent correlations between immune activation and clinical benefits.
The Need for Effective Immunotherapies
MSS CRC accounts for about 85% of colorectal cancer cases, affecting an estimated 130,000 new patients every year in the US and over 1.6 million globally. Current immunotherapies, primarily including checkpoint inhibitors, have demonstrated limited success in treating this patient population, amplifying the demand for innovative approaches like those initiated by TREOS Bio.
About TREOS Bio
TREOS Bio is characterized by its clinical-stage research and dedication to developing precision-focused cancer immunotherapies via its proprietary PASCal (Personal Antigen Selection Calculator) platform. With its flagship program, PolyPEPI1018, TREOS is set on targeting shared tumor antigens, thus demonstrating tangible clinical effectiveness in MSS colorectal cancer. The company continues to develop partnerships with esteemed institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Roche, and Junshi Biosciences, enhancing its research and development capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OBERTO-202 clinical trial about?
The OBERTO-202 trial is a Phase II study investigating the combination of PolyPEPI1018, toripalimab, and standard care as a treatment for refractory MSS colorectal cancer.
Who are the key partners in the trial?
The trial involves collaborations with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Junshi Biosciences, in addition to 14 other academic hospitals.
What is PolyPEPI1018?
PolyPEPI1018 is TREOS Bio's flagship off-the-shelf multi-peptide active immunotherapy designed to turn “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors by enhancing immune response.
Why is there a need for this study?
MSS CRC represents the majority of colorectal cancer cases and current treatment options have shown limited results, necessitating innovative therapies like those from TREOS Bio.
How has TREOS Bio prepared for this trial?
With recent financing rounds totaling $47 million, TREOS Bio is well-equipped to advance its lead program and implement the clinical trial effectively.
