Istari Oncology is focused on the development of Lerapolturev, a novel immunotherapy derived from the live attenuated Sabin type 1 polio vaccine. This unique immune activator is designed to stimulate a systemic anticancer response by targeting the poliovirus receptor CD155, which is expressed on nearly all solid tumor types. Lerapolturev operates through multiple mechanisms: it engages and activates antigen presenting cells (APCs) to prime T cells, directly kills tumor cells while releasing antigens, and amplifies the immune response by recalling polio vaccine-specific T cells. This multifaceted approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in patients with pre-existing immunosuppressive tumor environments.

The efficacy of Lerapolturev is currently being evaluated in various clinical trials, including the LUMINOS-102 phase 2 trial, which focuses on patients with anti-PD-1 refractory metastatic melanoma. Preliminary results from this trial have shown promising clinical benefit rates, including complete responses in some patients. Lerapolturev has received significant regulatory designations from the FDA, including Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug Designation for recurrent glioblastoma and Fast Track status for refractory melanoma. These designations highlight the potential of Lerapolturev to provide new treatment options for patients with limited alternatives in challenging cancer types.

United States

Istari Oncology, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on novel immuno-oncology and immunotherapy platforms for the treatment of glioblastoma and a wide variety of tumors. The company was founded by Darell Bigner, MD, and Matthias Gromeier, MD, of Duke University Medical Center in 2016. Both are leaders in their respective research fields of virology, immunology, monoclonal development and clinical medicine, particularly in the treatment of brain tumors.

Istari Oncology

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