Friday, May 16, 2025
5/16/2025
Development of CM-HZ01 as a non-alpha-IL2 therapeutic for the treatment of metastatic melanoma - Summary Melanoma incidence is increasing at an alarming rate; as the deadliest of all skin cancers, it is estimated that one person, every hour of every day, dies of melanoma. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was the first effective cancer immunotherapy, approved for metastatic renal cancer in 1992 and metastatic melanoma in 1998. IL-2 plays a central role in suppressing or activating lymphocyte responses through differential binding to IL-2 receptors expressed on regulatory T-cells or CD8 cytotoxic T-cells, and NK cells, respectively. Engineering selective IL-2 activity, however, has posed a significant challenge for generating effective immunotherapies lacking substantial toxicity. We are developing CM-HZ01 as a high avidity IL-2 super-agonist that preferentially promotes CD8 effector T-cell expansion and improves anti-tumor activity. In this Direct to Phase II application, we seek to advance CM-HZ01 to IND for metastatic melanoma, providing a best-in-class therapeutic for patients with limited effective treatment options.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).