KaliVir Immunotherapeutics
KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, develops next-generation oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs for cancer treatment using its novel Vaccinia Enhanced Template (VET™) platform.
Company Overview
KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, founded in 2019, is based in Pittsburgh, PA. The company specializes in developing next-generation oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs aimed at cancer treatment. KaliVir has created the Vaccinia Enhanced Template (VET™), a potent and novel oncolytic platform. The VET™ Backbone incorporates multiple proprietary genetic modifications designed to enhance systemic delivery and expression of therapeutic transgenes in tumors.
Innovative Technology: VET™ Backbone
The VET™ Backbone is a cornerstone of KaliVir's oncolytic viral therapy, optimized for systemic intravenous (IV) delivery, tumor-targeted replication, and viral spread within the tumor microenvironment. This platform uniquely enhances systemic delivery by utilizing B cells as delivery vehicles to metastasize and target tumors. Specifically, these VET™ viruses can infect B cells in circulation, prompting them to traffic towards tumors expressing matching chemokines. This innovation allows the virus to target a wide range of cancers.
Product Candidates
KaliVir's product candidates are designed using the VET™ Backbone, subjected to rigorous testing and scientific evaluation. The VET3-TGI candidate combines TGF-B inhibition and IL-12 expression to overcome immunosuppression and activate anti-tumor immune responses. Another product candidate, ASP1012, received FDA clearance for investigational new drug (IND) status in October 2023. ASP1012 is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
Strategic Partnerships and Licensing
KaliVir has entered into several strategic partnerships to advance its research and development. In May 2022, KaliVir entered a global exclusive licensing agreement with Roche for novel oncolytic viruses. Additionally, in December 2020, KaliVir and Astellas signed a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of the VET2-L2 novel oncolytic virus. These collaborations are crucial for advancing KaliVir's innovative therapies.
Facilities and Manufacturing
To support its research and development efforts, KaliVir announced the opening of a GMP Cleanroom Facility in January 2024. This facility is designed to increase the manufacturing capacity for oncolytic viruses, enabling the company to meet growing demand for its therapeutics. The new facility underscores KaliVir's commitment to advancing its oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs through enhanced manufacturing capabilities.