IPT-001

IPT-001 is an investigational immunotherapy developed by HERVolution Therapeutics that targets Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HERV-K). It utilizes a novel adenoviral vector platform to deliver virus-like particles (VLPs) encoding HERV-K proteins, which have been engineered with strategic immunostimulatory point mutations to overcome the low intrinsic immunogenicity of HERV-K. HERV-K is an ancient viral remnant integrated into the human genome that is aberrantly reactivated in various solid tumors and aging-related conditions while remaining silent in healthy tissues. By priming and expanding both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, IPT-001 aims to induce potent cellular and humoral immune responses against HERV-K-expressing cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated tumor regression in murine models, particularly when combined with PD-1 checkpoint blockade, and the asset is being advanced into Phase 1 clinical trials for cancer, with potential expansion into type 2 diabetes and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).