Xilio Therapeutics Advances Cancer Treatment With Novel Tumor-activated Immunotherapies
$XLO
Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:XLO), a pioneering biotechnology firm, announced the initiation of three preclinical programs for masked T cell engagers targeting specific tumor-associated antigens. This technology aims to improve the safety profile of T cell engagers by ensuring their activation is strictly localized to the tumor environment, thereby reducing potential systemic toxicity.
In conjunction with these internal developments, Xilio has entered into a strategic collaboration with AbbVie, a global pharmaceutical leader. This partnership, underpinned by a collaboration, license and option agreement, involves an upfront payment to Xilio of $52.0 million. The agreement also outlines potential additional payments, which could total approximately $2.1 billion, contingent upon achieving certain developmental and sales milestones.
Xilio’s approach to cancer treatment involves the design of bispecific and tri-specific molecules. These molecules are part of Xilio’s advanced tumor-activated cell engager (ATACR) and selective effector-enhanced cell engager (SEECR) formats. The ATACR format includes a T cell engager with a masked CD3 targeting domain, while the SEECR format builds upon this by adding co-stimulatory signaling, potentially enhancing the potency and durability of T cell responses.
The plans to nominate development candidates for its PSMA and CLDN18.2 programs within the next two years, with investigational new drug applications expected to be filed in 2027. The development of these programs and their progression into clinical trials will be critical milestones in Xilio’s quest to offer more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies.
Xilio Therapeutics is at the forefront of a significant shift in cancer treatment, focusing on tumor-specific activation of immune therapies to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. The collaboration with AbbVie represents a powerful synergy between Xilio’s technological innovations and AbbVie’s oncological expertise, setting the stage for potential breakthroughs in the treatment of various cancers. These programs advance, they hold the promise not only to improve patient outcomes but also to establish new standards of care in oncology.
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