HCW Biologics Announces Breakthrough in Developing Second-Generation Cancer Immunotherapy

HCW Biologics shares surged 60.88% after the company announced breakthrough results in developing second-generation pembrolizumab-based immunotherapies for solid tumors. The proprietary TRBC product discovery platform produced fusion molecules that enhance immune activation and tumor infiltration, showing strong preclinical results against pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The approach aims to simultaneously block checkpoint receptors while activating costimulatory pathways, restoring exhausted T cell function.

HCW Biologics Inc. (HCWB) saw its shares surge by 60.88% to $5.48 following the announcement of its breakthrough results in developing second-generation pembrolizumab-based immunotherapies for solid tumors. The company's proprietary TRBC product discovery platform produced fusion molecules that enhance immune activation and tumor infiltration, showing strong preclinical results against pancreatic and ovarian cancers.

The new immunotherapies are designed to block checkpoint receptors and engage costimulatory receptors, thereby improving the anti-tumor function of T cells. This approach aims to simultaneously block checkpoint receptors while activating costimulatory pathways, restoring exhausted T cell function. The company's scientists have developed these second-generation immunotherapeutics using its TRBC product discovery and development platform technology.

The breakthrough 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.

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."

HCW Biologics will showcase its novel second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor at Nova Southeastern University on September 12, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 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