Pheast Reveals Initial Data for Anti-CD24 Checkpoint Inhibitor PHST001

Pheast Therapeutics, based in Palo Alto, California, has announced groundbreaking preclinical data for its anti-CD24 antibody drug candidate, PHST001. This innovative therapy aims to interrupt a key macrophage signal that cancer cells use to avoid being attacked. The promising findings will be shared at the 20th Annual PEGS Boston Summit, highlighting PHST001's potential to generate a robust anti-cancer immune response and effectively treat cancer in vivo models.

Roy Maute, Ph.D., Cofounder and CEO of Pheast Therapeutics, emphasized the exceptional design and expression of PHST001. According to Maute, the preclinical studies have shown significant efficacy in difficult mouse model systems, suggesting the potential for clinical success in cancers where other immunotherapies have not been effective. This progress supports Pheast's aim to file an investigational new drug application and begin clinical trials in patients by the first half of the upcoming year.

CD24 is a recently identified immune checkpoint that is prevalent in various human cancers, including ovarian and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). High levels of CD24 are associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. CD24 interacts with the macrophage receptor Siglec-10, thereby protecting cancer cells from macrophage attacks. Pheast has developed PHST001 to bind both recombinant and cell surface CD24 with high affinity and specificity, effectively blocking Siglec-10 interaction.

Research conducted by Pheast scientists shows that PHST001 can trigger macrophage phagocytosis of various cancer subtypes in vitro and has demonstrated strong efficacy in vivo. In certain preclinical models, PHST001 alone was enough to shrink and completely eliminate tumors in all treated mice.

John Burg, Ph.D., Senior Director of Protein Sciences at Pheast, noted that the data underscored the company's robust capabilities in antibody discovery and protein engineering. Pheast's innovative platform enables the rapid identification and development of monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor-specific immune checkpoints, which will help them explore additional targets and expand their pipeline.

Dr. Burg is scheduled to present these findings on May 13, 2024, at 1:15 pm ET in a talk titled, “Engineering a Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Targeting CD24, a Macrophage Checkpoint.”

Pheast Therapeutics is a preclinical stage immuno-oncology company dedicated to targeting immune evasion pathways to activate the innate immune system against cancer. The company, founded and led by experts in innate immunity and cancer immunotherapy, is committed to developing novel treatments for some of the most challenging and aggressive cancers, including ovarian cancer and TNBC.

The preclinical success of PHST001 represents a significant milestone in Pheast's mission to develop effective cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes. As the company moves towards clinical trials, the scientific community and potential patients alike are watching closely with hope and anticipation.