bempegaldesleukin

Bempegaldesleukin is a PEGylated recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) prodrug designed to preferentially activate the IL-2 receptor βγ complex (CD122), which is predominantly expressed on CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The drug consists of human IL-2 conjugated to six releasable polyethylene glycol chains that reduce its affinity for the IL2Rαβγ complex found on regulatory T cells, thereby minimizing expansion of these immunosuppressive cells. Upon intravenous administration, the PEG chains are slowly released in vivo to generate active cytokine species that stimulate proliferation and activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells within the tumor microenvironment. This selective immune stimulation aims to enhance antitumor responses while reducing toxicity associated with non-selective IL-2 therapies. Bempegaldesleukin was developed by Nektar Therapeutics and has been investigated primarily in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab for advanced cancers including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma[1][2][3][5].

Other names

BEMPEGBempegaldesleukinum