TLR Therapeutics

Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, originally founded as TLR Therapeutics, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel cancer immunotherapies. The company's lead candidate, vidutolimod (CMP-001), is a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist delivered via a virus-like particle (VLP) designed to trigger a robust anti-tumor immune response. By activating the innate immune system, Checkmate aims to overcome resistance to existing checkpoint inhibitors in various solid tumors, including melanoma and head and neck cancer. The VLP delivery system is a key differentiator, protecting the oligonucleotide cargo and enhancing its uptake by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The company was acquired by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in 2022 for approximately 250 million to bolster its immuno-oncology pipeline and explore combinations with PD-1 inhibitors.