BriaPro Develops Innovative Antibodies Targeting Cancer-Linked B7-H3

BriaCell Therapeutics Corp., a biotech company focused on innovative cancer immunotherapies, and its subsidiary BriaPro Therapeutics Corp., have announced advancements in developing new antibodies targeting B7-H3. This molecule, present on the surfaces of various cancer and immune cells, plays a significant role in cancer advancement, making it a major target for anti-cancer therapies. BriaPro is using molecular modeling to create high-affinity antibodies against this antigen and has filed for provisional patents in the US, with plans to extend these globally.

B7-H3 acts as both an immune checkpoint regulator and a cell surface molecule prevalent in many cancer types, positioning it as a promising drug target. The company aims to develop antibodies to target B7-H3 across multiple cancer types. These antibodies will be integrated into the Bria-TILsRx™ platform, designed to direct and activate T cells within tumor environments. This platform is expected to incorporate T cell engagers that facilitate T cell-mediated destruction of tumors and immune checkpoint modulators that block inhibitory signals on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, thereby enhancing their anti-tumor effectiveness.

Dr. Miguel Lopez-Lago, CSO of BriaCell and BriaPro, highlighted that B7-H3 is overly expressed in a wide range of solid tumors, such as prostate, lung, breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers, while showing minimal presence in normal tissues. This characteristic makes it an ideal target for selectively activating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, potentially leading to significant anti-tumor responses with reduced risks of affecting non-cancerous tissues.

Dr. Markus D. Lacher, a pivotal figure behind this technology, expressed optimism about the in vitro success of their novel anti-B7-H3 technology and its expected efficacy in preclinical cancer models. The long-term goal is to advance these findings into treatments for cancer patients.

Dr. William V. Williams, President and CEO of BriaCell and BriaPro, noted the high demand for B7-H3 targeting antibodies among pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He anticipates that BriaPro's innovative antibodies will work synergistically with BriaCell's existing cell-based immuno-oncology platform, which includes unique cell-based immunotherapies and personalized off-the-shelf treatment strategies.

BriaPro operates as a pre-clinical stage immunotherapy enterprise focusing on developing binding agents and proteins to enhance the body's natural ability to combat cancerous tumors. This initiative aligns with its broader mission to harness the body's immune system in effectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells, promising a new frontier in cancer treatment innovation.

By strategically targeting the B7-H3 antigen, the company aims to transform cancer care and improve outcomes for patients suffering from various forms of cancer. Through filing patents and advancing research, BriaPro continues to push forward in the development of next-generation cancer treatments, which holds significant promise for future therapeutic applications.