BioTuesdays

iBio expands tech stack with EngageTx; adds TROP-2 bispecific to pipeline

iBio Logo

iBio (NYSEA:IBIO) expanded its AI-powered technology stack with the launch of EngageTx, a proprietary T-cell engager antibody panel designed for developing bispecific antibodies for immuno-oncology applications.

Through comprehensive screening and optimization techniques, iBio has identified highly potent, fully human TROP-2 (trophoblast cell surface antigen 2) monoclonal antibodies, which have been formatted into bispecific TROP-2 x CD3 molecules using EngageTx.

EngageTx comprises a robust array of CD3-binding antibodies, designed to be paired with tumor-targeting antibodies, such as TROP-2. This combination yielded a potent bispecific molecule that effectively mobilizes T-cells to unleash their anti-cancer capabilities against malignant cells.

iBio scientists examine data from EngageTx

While iBio discovered the panel earlier this year, the company is now deploying it internally, as well as offering it for use in potential future commercial partnerships.

“By strategically employing bispecific antibodies targeting TROP-2, we aim to stimulate the immune system for treating TROP-2-positive cancers, offering potential advantages over existing therapies,” Martin Brenner, Ph.D., interim CEO and CSO of iBio, said in a statement.

“The generation of a highly potent TROP-2 bispecific with reduced cytokine release offers validation of our technology and its differentiated capabilities,” he added. “We look forward to harnessing EngageTx to enrich our pipeline and offering this tremendous potential resource to prospective partners.”

TROP-2 is highly expressed in multiple solid tumors, including breast, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers and is closely linked to metastasis and tumor growth. TROP-2 antibody drug conjugates have been developed to deliver toxic payloads to these cancer cells but could risk harming healthy cells and cause adverse effects.

The company’s bispecific approach has the potential to increase the therapeutic window, while promoting a robust and long-lasting anti-tumor response. Combining the bispecific TROP-2 approach with immunotherapies, like checkpoint inhibitors, can potentially lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Features of the EngageTx panel include:

  • Broad range of T-cell activity for optimized pairing with diverse tumor antigen arms;
  • Reduced cytokine release for potentially expanded therapeutic window;
  • And human-primate cross reactivity to facilitate molecule de-risking in safety studies.

“Developing bispecifics is notoriously challenging,” said Matt Greving, Ph.D., VP and head of machine learning and platform technologies at iBio. “EngageTx is an important addition to iBio’s tech stack and demonstrates the power of our patented, AI-guided epitope engineering and StableHu antibody optimizer technologies, which were used to build EngageTx.”