CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Surface Oncology, an immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, will present preclinical data on its CD47 program at the 58th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. The data demonstrate that SRF231, a fully human CD47 antibody, induces robust tumor cell phagocytosis and clearance, both alone and in combination with existing standard of care treatment.
“These data highlight the strong anti-tumor activity of SRF231 in hematological disease models,” said Vito Palombella, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Surface Oncology, “and further suggest that SRF231 has the potential to be the best-in-class CD47 antibody to help patients with a wide range of cancers.”
CD47 is an important immune escape mechanism exploited by multiple tumor types, making it a target with broad therapeutic potential. CD47 acts as a macrophage checkpoint or “don’t eat me” signal that prevents cells from being eliminated by a macrophage-mediated process called phagocytosis.
The data presented at ASH demonstrate that SRF231 enhances tumor cell phagocytosis alone and in combination with opsonizing antibodies (e.g., anti-CD20 Ab). SRF231 also leads to profound tumor growth inhibition in models of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Previously, Surface presented data at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s annual meeting demonstrating that SRF231 binds with high affinity to CD47, stimulates phagocytosis of cancer cells in vitro, and has potent anti-tumor activity in multiple in vivo disease models. These data also demonstrate that SRF231 does not induce detectable hemagglutination or phagocytosis of red blood cells in vitro, a potentially important safety advantage. SRF231 is expected to enter clinical trials in 2017.
About Surface Oncology
In order to re-activate a patient’s immune response to cancer, Surface Oncology is developing next-generation immunotherapies targeting the tumor microenvironment. Our broad attack has the potential to convert patients’ non-responsive ‘cold’ tumors into immune-active ones. We are committed to advancing our diverse pipeline of immunotherapies including our fully human CD47 antibody program, to bring more cures to patients who do not benefit from existing cancer treatments. To accomplish this, Surface’s world-class team is working with our network of leading academic advisors and a robust scientific platform integrating tumor immunology, antibody characterization, and translational science. Headquartered in the heart of Cambridge’s Kendall Square, Surface was founded by Atlas Venture and financed by an industry-leading syndicate of investors. In 2016, Surface entered into a global strategic collaboration with Novartis to bring four next-generation immunotherapies to patients.
For more information, visit www.surfaceoncology.com.
