GEN2 (GenVivo)

**GEN2** is GenVivo's off-the-shelf, replication-incompetent gene-transfer vector immunotherapy for solid tumors. Its mRNA genome encodes enhanced herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Following tumor-cell transduction, subsequent administration of the prodrug valganciclovir enables the thymidine-kinase payload to drive tumor-cell killing through DNA chain termination, releasing tumor antigens and neoantigens; locally expressed granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is intended to enhance antigen presentation and antitumor immune activation. GEN2 has been evaluated in Phase 1 studies in hepatocellular carcinoma, liver-metastatic tumors, and advanced solid tumors, using intravenous administration and, in earlier studies, hepatic-artery and intratumoral administration. ([jitc.bmj.com](https://jitc.bmj.com/content/12/Suppl_2/A701))