CRB-601 targets TGF-β to overcome tumor resistance
CRB-601: A NOVEL IMMUNOTHERAPY MECHANISM OF ACTION
Checkpoint inhibitor therapies have significantly improved cancer treatments by harnessing the body's immune system to fight tumors. However, not all tumors respond effectively to these therapies, and overcoming this resistance remains a critical goal.
At Corbus, we have developed CRB-601, a promising new antibody designed to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy by targeting and blocking a key process involved in tumor resistance: the activation of a protein called TGF-β.
Understanding the Science
TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta) is a protein naturally involved in regulating immune function and tissue repair. However, in the tumor microenvironment—the area immediately surrounding cancer cells—high levels of active TGF-β can help cancer evade detection by the immune system. It does this by suppressing immune responses and creating physical barriers around the tumor, preventing immune cells from reaching and attacking cancer cells effectively.
TGF-β starts out inactive, tightly bound in a complex on the surface of cells. It becomes active when interacted with by a protein called integrin αvβ8. This activation promotes tumor growth by suppressing helpful immune cells (effector T-cells) and boosting regulatory immune cells (regulatory T-cells), which dampen anti-tumor responses.
The CRB-601 Mechanism
CRB-601 targets the integrin αvβ8, preventing it from activating TGF-β. By blocking this activation:
- CRB-601 may help to restore the body’s natural immune response against cancer cells.
- It has the potential to encourage activated immune cells to infiltrate tumors, breaking down the tumor's defense mechanisms.
- It may enhance the tumor-fighting power of checkpoint inhibitors and shows promise both alone and in combination with existing cancer treatments.
Progress and Potential
Preclinical studies with CRB-601 have shown encouraging results, demonstrating significant reductions in tumor growth across multiple types of cancer. Importantly, CRB-601 shows strong potential to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies, opening new treatment possibilities for patients who may not benefit adequately from existing therapies.
CRB-601 is currently progressing through clinical development stages, and we remain committed to thoroughly evaluating its safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in ongoing studies.
Our Commitment
At Corbus, our approach combines rigorous science with compassion, humility, and integrity. We believe CRB-601 could represent an important step forward in cancer care, particularly for patients whose tumors have previously shown resistance to other treatments.
Learn More
For detailed clinical trial information, including patient eligibility and study status, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov