FUVAC121

FUVAC121 is a fusogenic oncolytic vaccinia virus (FUVAC) engineered to express the immunostimulatory cytokines interleukin 12 (IL-12) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21). Developed by researchers at Tottori University, the virus is derived from a MAPK-dependent recombinant vaccinia virus (MDRVV) platform, which achieves tumor-specific replication through the deletion of viral growth factors VGF and O1L. FUVAC121 specifically incorporates a nonsense mutation in the viral fusion inhibitor K2L, promoting extensive cell-cell fusion (syncytia formation) that enhances local oncolysis and the release of tumor antigens. The localized production of IL-12 and CCL21 further recruits and activates CD8+ effector-memory T cells and promotes the conversion of M2 macrophages to an M1 phenotype, thereby inducing systemic antitumor immunity. Preclinical studies in colorectal and pancreatic cancer models have demonstrated significant regression of both treated and distant untreated tumors with a favorable safety profile.

Other names

FUVAC-IL12-CCL21FUVAC-IL-12-CCL21FUVAC-IL 12-CCL21FUVAC armed with IL-12 and CCL21