Our Technology Platform
Our genetically engineered constructs derived from a non pathogenic-in-humans cell type are programmed to localize at sites of tumor microenvironment (TME) that it penetrates and reprograms. Multiple enhanced derivatives have been created that vector/deliver payloads of therapeutic interest via surface expression or via secretion of molecules.
Preclinical Experiments
Validation in Multiple Solid Tumor Types
As of 2020, we have achieved Pre-clinical Proofs-of-Principle in 5 models of solid cancer, including one that prevented lung metastasis. The models concerned were Thymic Lymphoma, Metastatic Lung Melanoma, Ovarian Cancer, Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Glioblastoma and all showed tumor regression or inhibition, accompanied by immunological markers of potent Th-1 activity, the type of immune response that destroys cancer cells.
Tumor-philic agents localize indiscriminately at both HOT and COLD tumor sites
- The agents, by design, inherently congregate at tumor sites - even when administered from a distance (e.g. sub-cutaneously). Nor do they require a specific antigen to target. This may enable use of drugs that are inadequately effective due to lack of specific, targetable markers.
- Our tumor-philic localzation also may offer potential treatment options against multi-site micro-tumors / occult tumors - as well as post surgical use after removal or de-bulking of tumors.
Delivery Into Cancer Cells of Transgenic Payload
- Another key advantage is the platform's ability to home-in on the TME, and traffic into cancer cells. We have engineered derivatives to deliver molecules with optional surface or secretory expression.
- This capacity to deliver only within the TME - not systemically - may enable use of proprietary molecules (as payload) that are currently considered too toxic in systemic use.
- The size of the platform genome imparts large payload capacity.
Novel Routes of Administration
Novel routes of administration that demonstrated anti-cancer effect included nasal and trans-mucosal application, and sub-cutaneous injection at sites distant from primary tumor or cancer cell implants. These much less invasive forms of administration would reduce clinical complexity and cost, as well as favor patient compliance. The standard intravenous or intra-tumoral routes had fastest effect.
Preclinical Experiments
Our core Platform is based on cells that are designed with a “master key” allowing functional penetration into a TME, and then into cancer cells. Kymeris holds shared (50/50) ownership of IP and an exclusive global license rights for exploitation inhuman oncology
Our Agents exhibit 5 synergistic behaviors:
- They preferentially localize at cancer sites ("tumor-tropism") where malignancies are encased in a protective armor, the Tumor Micro-enviroment (TME).
- Even without targeting, they penetrate the TME and persist there unimpeded
- They reprogram the TME from immune suppressive to immune competent
- Our constructs’ “master key” gains direct entry into tumor cells, irrespective of whether they be classed HOT or COLD. In effect, they turn cold tumors hot.
- Strong immune activation, including Th-I immune response, against cancer is provoked, and lysis leads to release of tumor neoantigens. Established tumors shrink, at times completely, with only sclerotic tissue left at site.