HB-200 (HOOKIPA Pharma)

HB-200 is an arenavirus-based immune therapy developed by HOOKIPA Pharma, derived from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). This non-cytopathic virus is engineered to induce strong anti-tumor responses by triggering the infiltration and expansion of potent CD8+ T cells into tumors, leading to sustained T cell-dependent tumor regression. It is designed to target Human papillomavirus protein E6 and Human papillomavirus protein E7, making it relevant for HPV16-positive cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and head and neck cancer. HB-200 has demonstrated synergistic anti-tumoral activity when combined with T cell-directed therapies like BiTEs. It is administered intravenously and functions as both an oncolytic virus therapy and a vaccine.