CD94

Clinical-stage CAR-T company is actively recruiting patients to evaluate SynKIR™-110, a new treatment candidate for ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma PHILADELPHIA, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR-T company developing the novel KIR-CAR platform technology, today announced that it has activated a second clinical site for its STAR-101 Phase 1 clinical trial at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. STAR-101 is a multi-center clinical trial designed to evaluate Verismo Therapeutic's lead candidate, SynKIR™-110, for the treatment of mesothelin-overexpressing ovarian cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma. "This milestone marks the steady progress towards our goal of bringing SynKIR™-110 to as many patients as possible," said Dr. Bryan Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of Verismo Therapeutics. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Mehmet Altan at MD Anderson to bring us closer to that goal." Verismo achieved clearance from the FDA to initiate this multi-center clinical trial for SynKIR™-110 and has partnered with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania as the first clinical site. Verismo has previously announced that SynKIR™-110 received Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation for the treatment of mesothelin-expressing mesotheliomas. For more information about the STAR-101 clinical trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05568680. About the KIR-CAR Platform The KIR-CAR platform is a dual-chain CAR T cell therapy and has been shown in preclinical animal models to be capable of maintaining antitumor T cell activity even in challenging solid tumor environments. DAP12 acts as a novel costimulatory molecule for T cells using additional T cell stimulating pathways, further sustaining chimeric receptor expression and improving KIR-CAR T cell functional persistence. This continued T cell function and persistence can lead to ongoing regression of solid tumors in preclinical models, including those resistant to traditional CAR T cell therapies. The KIR-CAR platform is being investigated in combination with many additional emerging technologies, such as in vivo gene engineering, advanced cell manufacturing and reprogramming, combinational therapies, and even allogeneic cellular therapies to potentially provide the next-generation multimodal targeted immunotherapy for patients in need. About Verismo Therapeutics Verismo Therapeutics is a pioneer in dual-chain KIR-CAR technology, with its first asset SynKIR™-110 under investigation in a first-in-human clinical trial. Verismo is the only company developing the KIR-CAR platform, a modified NK-like receptor designed to improve persistence and efficacy against aggressive solid tumors. The KIR-CAR platform technology was developed specifically for advanced solid tumors, an area of high unmet medical need. For more information, visit: CONTACT: Raymond Luke, raymond.luke@verismotherapeutics.com

SHANGHAI & SUZHOU, China & GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Elpiscience”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation immunotherapies to benefit cancer patients worldwide, presented studies for its innovative immunotherapeutic molecules at the SITC 2023 Annual Meeting, including KG2A/NKG2C dual-targeting antibody ES015-2, a high affinity LILRB1 specific blocking antibody ES008-a, and the first-in-class anti-CD39/TGF-βRII bifunctional fusion protein ES014. Study Highlights: Title: Selective delivery of TGFβ “trap” to CD39-expressing immune and stroma cells reshapes tumor microenvironment and rejuvenates antitumor immunity Abstract Number: 453 CD39-Adenosine and TGFβ are two key immune suppressive pathways within the tumor microenvironment (TME). TGFβ, in contrast to its biphasic effects on tumor cells, acts on stromal cells and immune cells in the TME, which commonly express high levels of CD39, to promote tumor progression. CD39-targeted TGFβ “trap” is thus more likely to effectively inhibit tumor progression. Our study showed that ES014, a bifunctional antibody–ligand trap which comprises an antibody targeting CD39 fused to a TGFβ receptor II ectodomain, can inhibit TGFβ activity and lead to cancer killing in ex vivo models. A phase I clinical study is ongoing to primarily investigate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary clinical activity of ES014 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Highlights: ES014 binds and neutralizes both CD39 and TGFβ. ES014 promoted killing of tumors from NSCLC patients in ex vivo MPE model. ES014 inhibits Treg differentiation and TGFβ-induced CD39 expression on T cells. ES014 promotes T cell survival. Title: ES015-2, a first-in-class NKG2A and NKG2C dual-targeting antibody, demonstrated potent anti-tumor immune response Abstract Number: 498 The inhibitory receptor NKG2A and the activating receptor NKG2C modulate the function of NK and CD8 T cells by recognizing the same ligand HLA-E. NKG2A is selectively expressed on lymphocytes with cytolytic function, and the NKG2C “engager” has the potential to generate a strong antitumor response against various tumors. Inhibiting NKG2A and HLA-E alone was not as effective as had been expected in both mouse tumor models and in clinical trials. Our NKG2A/NKG2C dual targeting antibody ES015-2 can inhibit NKG2A function yet promoting NKG2C action, leading to superior anti-tumor response. Highlights: ES015-2 is a NKG2A/NKG2C dual targeting antibody. ES015-2 can completely block the interaction of NKG2A/CD94 with HLA-E, thereby inhibits HLA-E-induced NKG2A inhibitory signaling. Ligation of ES015-2 effectively potentiates the activation of NKG2C+ NK cells and T cells. Title: ES008-a, a high affinity LILRB1 specific blocking antibody activates multiple immune cells to fight cancers Abstract Number: 510 LILRB1 is the most broadly expressed member of LILRB family on various immune cells. Blocking LILRB1 augments macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells, restores cytotoxic function of NK cells, and enhances tumor cell killing by effector CD8+ T cells. The high affinity LILRB1 specific blocking antibody ES008-a can activate multiple immune cells to fight cancers. Highlights: ES008-a is a high affinity LILRB1-specific blocker that can completely block HLA-G/LILRB1 and HLA-A2/LILRB1 interactions. ES008-a promotes NK cell-mediated destruction of tumor cells. ES008-a synergizes with CD47/SIRPα inhibitors in enhancing macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells. About Elpiscience Elpiscience is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing life-changing immuno-oncology therapies for cancer patients worldwide. The company’s innovative approach is focused on removing immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment, by targeting the adenosine pathway and myeloid checkpoints. A pipeline of novel molecules has been developed using its proprietary platforms including a powerful Bispecific Macrophage Engager (BiME®) technology that connects and activates macrophages for solid tumor killing without causing cytokine storms. For more information, please visit: View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts BD inquiries: BD@elpiscience.com Media inquiries: PR@elpiscience.com Source: Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. View this news release online at:

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR-T company developing novel KIR-CAR platform technology today announced that it will be presenting at the upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 38th Annual Meeting (SITC 2023), to be held in San Diego and virtually November 1-5, 2023. Presentation Details Title: Preclinical potency assessment of SynKIR-110, a mesothelin-specific KIR-CAR T cell therapy for mesothelioma Abstract Number: 321 Date and Time: Friday, November 3rd: 12:00-1:30 p.m. and 5:10-6:40 p.m. Presenting Authors: Dr. Jun Xu, PhD & Dr. Laura Johnson, PhD Description: We conducted in vivo potency studies to assess the impact of the engineered T cell dose of the first mesothelin (MSLN)-specific KIR-CAR T cell therapy (SynKIRTM-110) in an NSG mouse xenograft model of human mesothelioma. Our data demonstrate for the first time that anti-tumor efficacy of SynKIRTM-110 is dose-dependent with greater potency compared with MSLN-41BBz CAR T cells previously evaluated in the clinic. This enhanced potency of SynKIRTM-110 was observed both at the primary tumor site and metastatic sites as demonstrated by histopathologic analysis. This increased potency did not impact any serum markers of toxicity, which remained the same regardless of CAR/KIR-CAR treatments. This data supports further clinical development of SynKIRTM-110 in patients with advanced solid tumors. SynKIRTM-110 is currently being investigated in a Phase I clinical trial STAR-101 (NCT05568680). About the KIR-CAR Platform The KIR-CAR platform is a dual-chain CAR T cell therapy and has been shown in preclinical animal models to be capable of maintaining antitumor T cell activity even in challenging solid tumor environments. DAP12 acts as a novel costimulatory molecule for T cells using additional T cell stimulating pathways, further sustaining chimeric receptor expression and improving KIR-CAR T cell functional persistence. This continued T cell function and persistence can lead to ongoing regression of solid tumors in preclinical models, including those resistant to traditional CAR T cell therapies. The KIR-CAR platform is being investigated in combination with additional emerging technologies. About Verismo Therapeutics Verismo Therapeutics is a pioneer in dual-chain KIR-CAR technology, with its lead asset SynKIR™-110 undergoing first-in-human clinical trial. Verismo is the only company developing the KIR-CAR platform, a modified NK-like receptor designed to improve persistence and efficacy against aggressive solid tumors. The KIR-CAR platform technology was developed specifically for advanced solid tumors, an area of high unmet medical need. For more information, visit: Media Contact: Gene Kim Verismo Therapeutics [email protected] 215-989-4225 Jennifer Moritz Zer0 to 5ive [email protected] 917-748-4006 SOURCE Verismo Therapeutics