The results demonstrated that VTX-2337 directly activates human myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
The activation mDCs results in the production of high levels of mediators known to orchestrate adaptive anti-tumor responses.
VTX-2337 shows direct effect on NK cells and augments antibody dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC), which supports the opportunity of combining VTX-2337 with monoclonal antibodies where ADCC contributes to clinical efficacy.
VentiRx president and chief medical officer Robert Hershberg said VTX-2337 provides unique abilities compared to other TLR agonists in clinical development, notably selective activation of mDCs and natural killer cells.
"These preclinical efficacy findings combined with the favorable safety profile of VTX-2337 established in the recently completed Phase 1 trial support the advancement of our broad clinical development program," Hershberg added.