HCW Biologics' Pembrolizumab-Based Immunotherapy Platform for Cancer Treatment

HCW Biologics' shares surge 58.79% after unveiling its next-gen cancer immunotherapy platform. The company's scientists have developed second-generation, pembrolizumab-based immunotherapeutics against solid tumors, particularly for pancreatic and ovarian cancer, using its TRBC product discovery and development platform technology. The pembrolizumab-based fusion molecule is designed to block checkpoint receptors and engage costimulatory receptors, improving anti-tumor function of T cells.

HCW Biologics Inc. (HCWB) has seen its shares surge by 58.79% to $5.48, following the unveiling of its next-generation cancer immunotherapy platform. The company's scientists have developed second-generation, pembrolizumab-based immunotherapeutics against solid tumors, particularly for pancreatic and ovarian cancer, using its proprietary TRBC product discovery and development platform technology [1].

The TRBC platform allows HCW Biologics to construct pembrolizumab-based fusion molecules that can release the tumor immune surveillance blockade of immune cells by cancer cells and neutralize the most immunosuppressive cytokine, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β), in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, these molecules can simultaneously activate immune cells and promote their infiltration into solid tumors [1].

The company's pembrolizumab-based fusion molecule has been selected as the leading clinical product candidate due to its potent anti-pancreatic cancer activities and its ability to outperform pembrolizumab as monotherapy for cancer in both in vitro and humanized mouse models at well-tolerated dose levels [1].

The breakthrough in immunotherapy comes at a time when immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment but have been criticized for their limited efficacy and durability. HCW Biologics aims to improve the efficacy of ICIs by equipping them with moieties that can neutralize TGF-β and activate effector immune cell responses [1].

Dr. Hing Wong, founder and CEO of HCW Biologics, commented on the significance of this breakthrough, stating, "We are very excited to report that our research indicates our proprietary TRBC product discovery platform can be used to create such a second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor against difficult-to-treat solid tumors. In our preclinical studies, our second-generation checkpoint inhibitor outperformed pembrolizumab in immune-cell activation and expansion, enhancement of immune cell infiltration into the tumors, and immune cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells" [1].

HCW Biologics will showcase its novel second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor at Nova Southeastern University on September 12, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida [2]. Dr. Wong will present the details of the IND-enabling studies as an invited speaker for the College of Pharmacy Seminar Series.

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/08/47308398/hcw-biologics-shares-surge-after-unveiling-next-gen-cancer-immunotherapy-platform
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/9517231/hcw-biologics-to-showcase-its-novel-second-generation-immune-checkpoint-inhibitor-identified-as-a-potential-gateway-to-a-multi-billion-dollar-market