Technology

Syntab’s ISErs specifically mask cancer cells as bacterial infections and lead to a massive attack by several different immune cells of the innate immune system, one of the most effective defense of the immune system.

This specific activation of the innate immune system by ISErs triggers the first line of defense, which is a massive immune response, selectively directed to locations of specific cancer cells only. This immune response is activated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) commonly found in microbes, but not mammals. The ISEr molecules bind specifically to cancer cells and recruit and activate human myeloid cells to destroy such cancer cells.

This completely new approach was proven by several in-vitro and in-vivo studies in different animal and tumor models. Combining the specific binding to tumor surface markers with simultaneous activation of the innate immune system, the ISEr concept overcomes the drawbacks of systemic application and weak stimulation of the immune system in current immuno-oncology therapies.

The ISErs are produced chemically via one-step solid phase synthesis. The core lab-scale synthesis takes only a few days. Linear and convergent synthesis routes have been established. Thus, the ISEr production is relatively cheap and easy to achieve while being highly reliable. It also meets the requirements of increasing safety and regulatory standards.