AdMdk-E1-iresTK

AdMdk-E1-iresTK is a replication-selective oncolytic adenovirus constructed for targeted cancer therapy. The virus utilizes the human midkine (Mdk) promoter to selectively drive the expression of the adenoviral E1 gene, enabling viral replication predominantly in cells with elevated Mdk expression, such as malignant mesothelioma. It incorporates the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene, allowing for prodrug activation therapy (notably ganciclovir). This dual mechanism—tumor-selective viral lysis and TK-mediated prodrug activation—results in efficient and selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Intratumoral injection leads to potent antitumor effects in preclinical mesothelioma models, with complete tumor regression demonstrated in vivo.[1][4][6]