Next-IO™ Anti-Galectin-9 Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Program

About This Program

This program aims to develop anti-Galectin-9 therapeutic monoclonal antibody for immuno-oncology.

Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a major inhibitor of the immune system and exerts its immunosuppressive effects in many cells of the immune system. Recent studies have shown that abnormal expression of Gal-9 is associated with certain primary cancers. Abnormal expression of Gal-9 is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion and aggregation. Once produced by cancer cells and other cells of the microenvironment, Gal-9 is released into the circulation and exert its systemic effect on the immune system. Its inhibition can have multiple anti-tumor effects.

Galectin-9

Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of the β-galactoside-binding galectin family and plays a role in immune response, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell death. T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (Tim-3) are inhibitory receptors expressed on the surface of T cells and are essential for inhibiting T cell responses to tumors. Galectin-9 has been identified as a ligand for Tim-3, and binding of galectin-9 to Tim-3 results in apoptosis of T cells and negative regulation of T cell immunity.

Highlight functions of Gal-9:

  • Expression of Gal-9 issignificantly different between cancer and normal tissues.
  • The Galectin-9-Tim-3 pathway negatively regulates the T cell pathway in tumor immunosuppressive environments.
  • Galectin-9 impairs the anticancer activity of cytotoxic lymphoid cells, including natural killer (NK) cells.
  • Gal-9 inhibits B cell activation and proliferation.

Fig.1 TIM-3/Galectin-9 signaling pathway. (Gonçalves, et al., 2017)Fig.1 Fig.1 TIM-3/Galectin-9 signaling pathway.1

Galectin-9 in Cancer Studies

Here are some published data about Galectin-9 molecule function as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.

  • The expression of galectin-9 is significantly increased in gliomas (A) and is associated with the expression of Tim-3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of TILs (C, D).
  • The levels of galectin-9 and soluble Tim-3 are highly expressed in AML patients.
  • In vivo antitumor effects of galectin-9 on established HCC.

Clinical Trials under Progress

Currently, several studies of Gal-9 therapeutic mAbs are undergoing early clinical trials for the treatment of various cancer. Accumulating preclinical evidence supports their clinical development. However, further studies are needed to identify the efficacy, safety, and combination strategies.

In this case, GPVI is still a compelling target. In particular, there is increasing interest in combining anti-Gal-9 with other agents, thus representing a particularly promising approach to achieving greater therapeutic success in various cancers.

Program Plan

Fig.2 The timeline of Next-IOᵀᴹ programs. (Creative Biolabs Original)Fig.2 The timeline of Next-IOᵀᴹ programs.

We have extensive knowledge of end-to-end program development. For each program, we are committed to delivering the final complete program to our clients within 1.5 years prior to entering the IND stage.

Cooperation

Creative Biolabs is looking for potential partners (include but not limit to major pharma or biotech firms) to develop anti-GaI-9 therapeutic monoclonal antibody program together. Our scientists are dedicated to bringing together years of valuable experience to our partner and achieve a meaningful partnership. By doing so, we wish to help both parties to proceed with IND and many stages of clinical trials beyond.

If you are interested, please feel free to contact us so that we can discuss the program and other possible opportunities for cooperation. Look forward to working with you in the near future.

Reference

  • Gonçalves Silva, Isabel.; et al. "The Tim-3-galectin-9 secretory pathway is involved in the immune escape of human acute myeloid leukemia cells." EBioMedicine. 22 (2017): 44-57.

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use

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