Triumvira Immunologics Publishes Data on Safe, Effective TAC T Cells for Solid Tumors

SAN DIEGO and AUSTIN, Texas and HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Triumvira Immunologics, a clinical-stage company developing advanced T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors, has announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed article. Titled "Preclinical development of T cells engineered to express a T cell antigen coupler (TAC) targeting Claudin 18.2-positive solid tumors," the study appears in Cancer Immunology Research, a journal under the American Association for Cancer Research. The article, authored by a research team led by Dr. Andreas Bader, Consulting Chief Scientific Officer of Triumvira Immunologics, details extensive preclinical research on TAC01-CLDN18.2, a novel autologous T cell therapy designed to target Claudin 18.2 for treating solid tumors. The therapy is currently undergoing clinical evaluation in a Phase I/II study known as TACTIC-3 (NCT05862324).

Dr. Andreas Bader emphasized the unique advantages of TAC01-CLDN18.2, noting its high specificity in targeting and eradicating tumors while minimizing common adverse events associated with other T cell therapies. "This research highlights our dedication to creating next-generation T cell treatments that are both effective and safe. We are eager to advance the clinical potential of TAC01-CLDN18.2 for patients with Claudin 18.2 positive solid tumors," Bader stated.

Robert Williamson, President of Triumvira Immunologics, acknowledged the publication as a significant milestone for the company. "Our TAC technology, showcased in this study, has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. We remain focused on developing life-saving treatments for patients, and this publication underscores the rigorous scientific efforts and dedication of our team," Williamson remarked.

The article underlines the innovative T cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) technology developed by Triumvira Immunologics. This chimeric receptor activates tumor antigen-specific T cells by leveraging the natural T cell receptor complex, avoiding tonic signaling. Preclinical findings demonstrated that CLDN18.2-TAC T cells exhibit specific and sustained anti-tumor activity across various in vitro and in vivo models of gastric, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers. The study also reports high selectivity, with these T cells not causing notable off-target or on-target/off-tumor toxicities in preclinical models, indicating their potential safety and efficacy in clinical settings.

Key findings from the study include:

1. Specificity and Activity: TAC01-CLDN18.2 T cells showed high specificity and potent cytotoxicity against Claudin 18.2 positive tumor cells in both 2D cultures and 3D tumor spheroids, including models with low antigen expression.

2. CLDN18.2-TAC T vs CLDN18.2 CAR-T: The TAC T cells outperformed second-generation CAR T cells targeting Claudin 18.2, displaying greater proliferative capacity, lower levels and delayed onset of T cell exhaustion, and overall enhanced and longer-lasting cytotoxicity.

3. In Vivo Efficacy: In mouse models of gastric, gastroesophageal, and pancreatic cancers, TAC01-CLDN18.2 T cells effectively eradicated tumor xenografts with durable efficacy seen in recursive killing and tumor rechallenge experiments.

4. Safety Profile: The preclinical data showed that TAC01-CLDN18.2 T cells did not induce significant off-target or on-target/off-tumor toxicities, as they were unreactive to human cells representing vital organs.

5. Durable Response: The research indicates that TAC01-CLDN18.2 T cells can provoke a long-lasting anti-tumor response, supporting their potential as a safe and effective treatment for patients with Claudin 18.2 positive solid tumors.

Triumvira Immunologics focuses on developing unique, non-gene edited T cell therapies that utilize the natural biology of T cells to treat solid tumors. Their proprietary TAC technology activates natural T cell functions differently from other therapies, promising safe, effective, and re-dosable treatments. The company operates in San Diego, California, Austin, Texas, and Hamilton, Ontario, and is developing a pipeline targeting various tumor-associated antigens, including Claudin 18.2, HER2, GUCY2C, and GPC3.