National Cancer Institute 1R43CA306686-01

Enhancing Solid Tumor Immunotherapy with Targeted siRNA Delivery

Award to ABSCO THERAPEUTICS, INC. for developing a targeted siRNA delivery platform to enhance solid tumor immunotherapy, focusing on localized treatment and immune activation with promising preclinical results.

Description

Absco Therapeutics' Oncolymer™ platform addresses critical limitations in solid tumor immunotherapy by enabling precise, image-guided intratumoral delivery of a dual-agent formulation combining immune-sensitizing siRNA and the immune activating TLR7 agonist imiquimod. This system builds on AbscoTx’s lead imiquimod-delivering program, which has shown localized pharmacokinetics and efficacy in preclinical models when combined with systemic CPI treatment, resulting in complete tumor regression in 46% of cases, clearance of distant tumors, and long-term immune memory. The platform utilizes a thermoresponsive hydrogel technology based on PLGA and PEG polymers that transforms from liquid to solid depot upon injection, coupled with an FDA-approved imaging agent for real-time tumor targeting. The system aims to maximize sustained local effect while minimizing systemic exposure. Preclinical studies demonstrated the potential of this platform, with a single injection leading to complete tumor regression and long-term immune memory in murine colorectal cancer models. Furthermore, the platform can encapsulate nucleic acids like siRNA, enabling targeted delivery and protection, addressing a major challenge in nucleic acid therapeutics. The project will evaluate in vitro release, in vivo pharmacokinetics and bioactivity, and efficacy in mouse models, aiming to develop a potent monotherapy for local and metastatic tumors and broaden application to other tumor types.

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