Nemvaleukin alfa (Nemvaleukin) – Novel engineered IL-2
Understanding Our Treatment Candidates
Nemvaleukin is an innovative engineered interleukin-2 (IL-2) variant designed to harness the potent anti-cancer capabilities of high-dose rhIL-2 while minimizing toxicity by selectively activating cancer-fighting CD8 T cells and NK cells, making it a promising candidate in cancer immunotherapy.
The Challenge:
As the first immunotherapy ever approved, recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) (rhIL-2) or high-dose IL-2, has demonstrated complete and durable responses in certain tumor types. Unfortunately, its toxicity profile significantly limits its use. As a natural regulator of the immune system, it achieves high efficacy by activating different cancer-fighting immune cells such as NK cells and CD8 T cells. The problem is IL-2 can also bind with and activate T regulatory cells (Tregs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which are known to dampen anti-tumor immune responses and cause severe toxicity.
Our Design:
We engineered nemvaleukin, a novel, investigational IL-2 variant, to expand the therapeutic benefits of high-dose rhIL-2, while mitigating the toxicities. Nemvaleukin is designed to avoid Tregs and VECs, while activating the cells of interest – CD8 T cells and NK cells. Using our proprietary PICASSO® platform, we engineered a modified version of IL-2 that includes the high affinity IL-2 alpha receptor chain, which prevents nemvaleukin from binding to the Tregs and VECs. The result is that it binds preferentially to and activates cancer fighting CD8 T and NK Cells. Because nemavaleukin is a stable fusion protein, it does not degrade and has a longer half-life than other IL-2 based drugs.
Mechanism of Action
For illustrative purposes only. Treg=regulatory T Cell; NK=Natural Killer Cell
More Information on Nemvaleukin – Novel engineered IL-2:
To learn more about ongoing clinical trials with nemvaleukin please see our Clinical Trials or read our Publications.