Using innovative protein engineering and a proprietary chemical protein synthesis and conjugation platform, Bright Peak is developing a pipeline of first-in-class multifunctional molecules. The company’s lead program, BPT567, is designed to combine two key immuno-stimulatory mechanisms of action into a single molecule, including coordinated PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade in tandem with the targeted delivery of IL-18 to T cells within the tumor microenvironment.
IL-18 is known as a master regulator of innate and adaptive immunity, and as driver of the host immune response to cancer. Preclinical studies have shown that BPT567 mediates potent, synergistic anti-tumor activity superior to PD-1 blockade alone, with activity in both PD-1-sensitive and PD-1-resistant tumor models.
While PD-1 inhibitors have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, Bright Peak is actively investigating whether the multifunctional biology of BPT567 could not only translate to enhanced efficacy compared to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade alone in indications where checkpoint inhibitors have been approved, but also demonstrate activity in settings where checkpoint inhibitors have not worked to date or in patients who have progressed or recurred despite prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy, all of which represent major areas of unmet need for patients with cancer.
“The dosing of the first patient in this trial marks a significant and exciting milestone in our mission to provide patients with advanced solid tumors with a potentially transformative PD-1 based treatment option,” said Fredrik Wiklund, Chief Executive Officer of Bright Peak.
Jon Wigginton, M.D., President of Research and Development at Bright Peak, added, “Preclinical studies of BPT567 have demonstrated very encouraging results and we are eager to further explore BPT567’s dual mechanism, which we believe could have the potential to deliver impactful anti-tumor efficacy, including for patients who have not responded to conventional PD-1 inhibitors alone, and in new indications where current PD-1s are not approved. We look forward to advancing this important Phase 1/2a study in collaboration with participating patients, and leading immuno-oncology centers.”
Bright Peak’s chemical protein synthesis technology was initially developed by its Founders Vijaya Pattabiraman and Jeffrey Bode at ETH Zürich and the company was seeded and launched by Versant Ventures at the firm’s Ridgeline Discovery laboratories. The company is based at the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus in Allschwil (BS) and San Diego, CA.
(Press release / SK)