Eran Ophir, PhD, Compugen Ltd.,Tel Aviv, Israel, discusses COM503, a potential first-in-class, high affinity anti- IL18 binding protein antibody. Cytokines have potent immune-stimulatory properties but are limited as drugs due to peripheral toxicity. The challenge lies in achieving a therapeutic window where sufficient cytokine levels can induce anti-cancer immunity without causing peripheral harm. COM503 functions by disrupting the interaction between IL-18 binding protein and IL-18. By doing so, it releases the natural IL-18, allowing it to inhibit the growth of cancer cells specifically within the tumor microenvironment. This approach overcomes challenges seen in other cytokine therapies by selectively modulating the tumor environment while leaving the peripheral system unaffected. Preclinical studies showed promising monotherapy activity with immune modulation confined to the tumor microenvironment. This unique approach aims to provide a safe and effective cytokine-based treatment for cancer patients. This interview was recorded via an online conference call with The Video Journal of Oncology (VJOncology).
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