The Munich-based biotech company Plectonic Biotech, winner of the 2019 m4 Award, is entering into a research collaboration with the Hamburg-based company Evotec to explore a novel immunotherapy approach for the treatment of solid tumors. The goal is to successfully apply classical T-cell engager therapies to solid tumors, where their effectiveness has been limited to date. To achieve this, Plectonic’s programmable LOGIBODY® technology will be combined with Evotec’s proprietary BiTco platform.
Plectonics’ LOGIBODY® technology is based on DNA-protein therapeutics that recognize tumors based on highly specific combinations of tumor-associated antigens before triggering the activation of T cells. Unlike conventional T-cell engagers, LOGIBODY® molecules become active only when they simultaneously bind to a predefined signature consisting of multiple tumor antigens. This logic-driven approach represents a novel class of drugs aimed at increasing treatment precision, reducing activation in healthy tissue, and potentially broadening the therapeutic window.
Evotec’s BiTco platform is based on a proprietary, non-blocking CD2 antibody that provides T cells with an additional costimulatory signal, thereby enhancing their activity and persistence in the tumor microenvironment. The antibody binds to a unique CD2 epitope without interfering with the receptor’s natural interactions. As a result, BiTco can amplify the T-cell response, promote T-cell-engager-mediated tumor cell killing, and counteract T-cell exhaustion.
By combining highly selective tumor recognition with enhanced T-cell activation, the companies will investigate whether their complementary technologies can improve both the precision and efficacy of T-cell-activating approaches in solid tumors. Under the agreement, preclinical proof-of-concept data will be generated to investigate the potential of this new generation of T-cell-activating approaches.
Together, the companies aim to explore this next-generation concept and identify new ways to address challenges related to tumor selectivity and safety that have thus far limited the efficacy of T-cell engagers in solid tumor indications.
Plectonic has already demonstrated the modularity of its LOGIBODY® technology in preclinical studies involving hematologic and solid tumors using dual targeting and costimulatory strategies.
With its LOGIBODY® technology, the Hallbergmoos-based spin-off of the Technical University of Munich impressed the judges at the 2019 m4 Award pre-startup competition and secured 500,000 euros in funding. The new round of the m4 Award will begin this fall.
For more information, visit www.m4-award.org.