HCW Biologics Designates One of Its Proprietary TRBC-Pembrolizumab-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors as its Franchise Immunotherapeutic for Internal Clinical Development

Core Insights - HCW Biologics Inc. is advancing its lead product candidate HCW11-040, a second-generation pembrolizumab-based immunotherapeutic, into late IND-enabling studies for the treatment of solid tumors [1][4] - The company has discovered a unique combination of cytokines that can expand Progenitor Exhausted T (TPEX) cells without causing a cytokine storm, which is a significant advancement in immunotherapy [2][3] Group 1: Product Development - HCW11-040 is a multi-functional fusion protein that combines pembrolizumab with interleukin (IL)-7, IL-15, and TGF-β receptor components, aimed at enhancing the immune response against cancer [2] - Preclinical studies indicate that HCW11-040 outperforms pembrolizumab monotherapy in immune-cell activation, tumor infiltration, and cytotoxicity against cancer cells [3] - The company plans to conduct high-expression manufacturing cell bank creation, chemistry manufacture control process development, and preclinical Good Laboratory Practice toxicology studies for HCW11-040 [4] Group 2: Company Overview - HCW Biologics is focused on developing novel immunotherapies to treat diseases associated with chronic inflammation, particularly age-related diseases [5] - The company utilizes its proprietary TRBC drug discovery platform to create a range of immunotherapeutics, including multi-functional immune cell stimulators and second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors [6] - HCW Biologics has developed over 50 molecules using the TRBC platform, with ongoing preclinical evaluations for selected candidates based on promising data [6]