HCW9218 + gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel

HCW9218 + gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel is a combination regimen composed of an investigational immunotherapeutic fusion protein (HCW9218), the nucleoside analog chemotherapy agent gemcitabine, and the albumin-bound paclitaxel formulation nab-paclitaxel. HCW9218 is a bifunctional fusion protein consisting of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor II domains and interleukin (IL)-15/IL-15 receptor α domains. HCW9218 enhances anti-tumor immune responses primarily via activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells through IL-15 pathway agonism, and inhibits TGF-β induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Gemcitabine is a DNA synthesis inhibitor acting as an antimetabolite, while nab-paclitaxel is a nanoparticle suspension of paclitaxel bound to albumin, which inhibits microtubule function and promotes apoptosis in dividing cells. The combination is being investigated chiefly for improved anti-tumor activity and to counter chemotherapy-induced senescence and resistance in cancers such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Other names

nab-paclitaxelgemcitabine