gebasaxturev

Gebasaxturev (V937) is an investigational oncolytic virus therapy consisting of a bio-selected strain of Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21). Originally developed by Viralytics and later acquired by Merck & Co., it is designed to target and infect cancer cells that overexpress Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a cell surface receptor commonly found on melanoma and other solid tumors. Upon entry, the virus replicates within the malignant cells, leading to cell lysis and the release of tumor-associated antigens. This process, combined with the viral infection itself, triggers a systemic anti-tumor immune response, potentially turning "cold" tumors "hot." It is primarily being evaluated in combination with checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma and other solid malignancies.

Brand names

Cavatak

Other names

coxsackievirus a21CVA21CVA-21CVA 21