MP0317 / FAP x CD40: Solid Tumors
MP0317 / FAP x CD40 is the second therapeutic candidate in our immuno-oncology pipeline. It is designed to activate immune cells specifically in the tumor and not in the rest of the body, potentially delivering greater efficacy with fewer side effects.
Mechanism of Action
Need
While checkpoint antibodies have delivered strong clinical results, immune agonistic antibodies have been either too toxic or not efficacious, with no good therapeutic window. This is especially true for high-energy and multi-functional agonist targets like CD40.
Rationale
An immunotherapy that would solely activate immune cells in the tumor would allow super-activation while avoiding systemic side effects.
Solution
MP0317 includes DARPin domains that bind to localizer (FAP) and stimulator (CD40) molecules. FAP is found in the tumor stroma in high density and FAP binding will create a local super-cluster. If CD40 on immune cells is engaged at the same time, clustering occurs and we achieve local activation of immune cells. As activation only occurs when both targets are simultaneously engaged, there is only tumor local activity and no systemic side effects.
