Next generation immuno-oncologics

Syntab Therapeutics

One of the body’s strongest assets is its own capability to fight diseases. That’s what Syntab Therapeutics makes use of: The activation of the first line of immune defense, the innate immune system in order to fight cancer cells.

Syntab Therapeutics‘ novel and innovative concept reprogramming the patient’s own immune system to fight specifically against cancer by small, completely chemically derived molecules called Immune System Engagers (ISErs).

The ISEr concept offers highly specific binding for cancer cells and targets the innate immune system for selective and strong destruction of these cells. The high bioavailability of small ISEr molecules leads to optimal tissue penetration. ISErs are flexible in their molecular design for multi-valency and multi-specificity and easy to produce. Based on these properties development and approval times are much shorter compared to larger molecules.

Modular approach offers multiple options

The ISErs combine highly selective binders for recognizing cancer cells and immune activators in one small peptide of 5 to 10 kD. Such molecules are highly versatile in design, relatively easy to synthesize, and can be tailored to target specific types of cancer. An ISEr can have up to four different binder arms that target multiple cancer-specific cell markers, in addition to the immune activators. Due to their structural flexibility, ISErs can be chemically synthesized within just a few days and at low cost.

ISEr: A Targeted Approach to Cancer Immunotherapy

The platform`s patented lead compound, ISEr-X9 has already demonstrated successful in-vitro and in-vivo proof of concept. In a mouse model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) treatment with ISEr-X9 was associated with substantial tumour necrosis—the death of tumour tissue. Additional analyses identified changes in neutrophil-associated proteins and inflammatory signalling, providing evidence of an immune response following treatment. Studies using human breast cancer tissue explants also revealed changes in inflammatory and tissue-remodelling markers. Syntab is advancing ISEr-X9 towards its planned first-in-human study while continuing to expand its ISEr platform to address a broader range of hard-to-treat tumour types.