EVATAK

EVATAK is an oncolytic virus therapy developed by Viralytics (now a subsidiary of Merck & Co.) that utilizes a proprietary formulation of the naturally occurring Echovirus Type 1 (EV1). The therapy is designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells that overexpress the integrin α2β1 receptor on their surface. Upon binding to this receptor, the virus enters the cancer cell and replicates, leading to selective oncolysis (cell death). This process not only kills the primary tumor cells but may also trigger a systemic anti-tumor immune response by releasing tumor-associated antigens. EVATAK has been investigated in pre-clinical studies for the treatment of various solid tumors, including gastric, ovarian, and prostate cancers, and has received patent protection for its use in treating α2β1-expressing malignancies.

Brand names

EVATAK

Other names

Echovirus Type 1