Reprogramming protein and immune cell interactions to disrupt cancer
We discover, design and engineer molecules that connect proteins on and within cells to reprogram disease-driving processes or activating immune responses.
Allo-Glues® are small molecule drugs [●] that connect two or more proteins. Drug-induced interaction between an effector protein [●] and a traditionally hard-to-drug target protein [●] can trigger target modulation, inhibition or degradation.
A-Kines® are conditionally active cytokine biologics. Their modified cytokine [●] portion exerts an effect through its receptor only when the A-Kine is connected to a target cell [●] through a cell-specific surface marker [●]. This precision targeting harnesses immune signaling without triggering off-target effects.
Multimodal cell engagers (MCEs) are biologics [●] that connect two or more specified cells, such as an effector cell [●] (e.g., CD8+ T cell or NK cell) with a target cell [●] (e.g., tumor cell). The resulting synapse directs immune cells to modulate or eliminate the target cell. Optional A-Kine components can be included to fine-tune or amplify immune signals.
Allo-Glues® are small molecule drugs [●] that connect two or more proteins. Drug-induced interaction between an effector protein [●] and a traditionally hard-to-drug target protein [●] can trigger target modulation, inhibition or degradation.
A-Kines® are conditionally active cytokine biologics. Their modified cytokine [●] portion exerts an effect through its receptor only when the A-Kine is connected to a target cell [●] through a cell-specific surface marker [●]. This precision targeting harnesses immune signaling without triggering off-target effects.
Multimodal cell engagers (MCEs) are biologics [●] that connect two or more specified cells, such as an effector cell [●] (e.g., CD8+ T cell or NK cell) with a target cell [●] (e.g., tumor cell). The resulting synapse directs immune cells to modulate or eliminate the target cell. Optional A-Kine components can be included to fine-tune or amplify immune signals.
ORB-011 is an A-Kine® that is designed to bind to and selectively activate the tumor antigen presenting immune cell cDC1. Effector function is encoded by a specialized, on-target conditionally active interferon. Interferon is a potent promoter of cDC1 activities associated with tumor antigen presentation-mediated activation of CD8 T cells. Activated cDC1 cells may also communicate with and promote activity of NK cells, thus engaging both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms. cDC1 activation initiates antitumor response in both tumor microenvironment and tumor draining lymph nodes. ORB-011 is in a Phase 1 open-label dose escalation study for patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. The trial (NCT05947474) is designed to provide initial safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic readouts.
ORB-021 is an A-Kine® that is designed to bind to and selectively modulate the function of tumor and immune cells that express the PD-L1 checkpoint marker. Antitumor activity of ORB-021 invokes activation of natural killer and dendritic cells, and inhibition of myeloid derived suppressor cells [MDSCs]. MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment are highly immune suppressive, and prevalent in “cold” tumors that are refractory to standard cancer (immuno)-therapies. ORB-021 is in a Phase 1 open-label dose escalation study for patients with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. The trial (NCT06607939) is designed to provide initial safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic readouts.
Orionis Biosciences Announces Strategic Partnership with Genentech to Discover and Develop Molecular Glue Class Medicines for Cancer
We collaborate with industry and academic leaders across a range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. These collaborations with world-class institutions validate the disruptive potential and therapeutic promise of our platforms. They also enable us to leverage diverse experiences in next-generation developments of our proprietary OrionisBio™ technology and R&D engines.