INVAC-1

INVAC-1 is an investigational therapeutic DNA vaccine designed to target cancer by inducing an immune response against the enzyme telomerase, specifically the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which is overexpressed in the majority of cancer cells. The drug consists of a DNA plasmid encoding a modified, enzymatically inactive form of hTERT fused with ubiquitin to enhance protein degradation and antigen presentation. Upon intradermal administration—often combined with electroporation—INVAC-1 leads to expression of the hTERT protein in host cells, stimulating both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses that are Th1-polarized and cytotoxic against tumor cells expressing telomerase. Preclinical studies demonstrated delayed tumor growth and improved survival in mouse models, while early-phase clinical trials have shown that INVAC-1 is safe, well tolerated, immunogenic, and capable of inducing stable disease or clinical benefit in patients with advanced solid tumors[1][3][5][6][7][8]. The primary indication under investigation has been various cancers.

Other names

hTERT-encoding DNA vaccine INVAC-1human telomerase reverse transcriptase (htert) dna vaccine invac-1double stranded dna plasmid vaccine construct encoding ubiquitin-human telomerase reverse transcriptase (htert) fusion protein