ALX Oncology is developing evorpacept, a high-affinity CD47 blocking fusion protein designed to enhance immune system recognition of cancer cells while minimizing hematologic toxicities. This approach targets the "don't eat me" signal used by cancer cells, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes in combination with existing anti-cancer agents.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Cancer cells often evade the immune system by expressing CD47, a "don't eat me" signal that prevents immune cells from recognizing and attacking them. Existing CD47-blocking therapies can cause hematologic toxicities, limiting their effectiveness and tolerability.
Solution
ALX Oncology is developing evorpacept, a high-affinity CD47 blocking fusion protein designed to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Evorpacept is engineered with a high affinity for CD47, aiming to maximize clinical activity while minimizing the hematologic toxicities associated with other CD47-blocking approaches. The protein consists of two engineered high-affinity CD47 binding domains of SIRPα linked to an inactive Fc region of human immunoglobulin. By blocking the CD47 "don't eat me" signal, evorpacept aims to improve therapeutic outcomes when used in combination with existing anti-cancer agents. Clinical results to date show encouraging anti-tumor activity and tolerability in multiple oncology indications.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as oncologists and researchers focused on developing novel cancer treatments.
Features
- High-affinity CD47 binding domain engineered for enhanced target engagement
- Fusion protein design to minimize hematologic toxicities
- Intravenously administered for systemic exposure
- Designed to block the CD47 "don't eat me" signal on cancer cells
- Aims to leverage the immune activation of broadly used anti-cancer agents through combination strategies