Key points from article :
Pfizer’s vaccine partner, BioNTech, has its sights set on treating cancer with mRNA technology.
Data has been promising enough in animal studies to prompt a move towards clinical trials.
An mRNA cocktail that, once delivered to the target cells, prompts them to produce four anticancer molecules.
The mRNAs code for 4 cytokines: interleukin-12, interferon-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IL-15 sushi.
Researchers administered the mRNA cocktail into colon and melanoma tumors in 20 mice.
Treatment was able to halt tumor growth, leading to total regression in 17 of the mice.
When combined the mRNA mixture with either anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, the results were further improved.
A phase 1 basket trial of the drug, SAR441000, is to begin enrolling patients with solid tumors.
The trial will test the mRNA both solo and in combination with Libtayo, a PD-1 inhibitor.
Study corresponded by Ugur Sahin, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
