LASN500

LASN500 is a highly potent, first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP). IL-18BP acts as an immune checkpoint by binding to and neutralizing IL-18, a pro-inflammatory cytokine with anti-tumor properties. In cancer, elevated levels of IL-18BP at the tumor site suppress the immune response by sequestering IL-18. LASN500 works by binding to IL-18BP and breaking its complex with IL-18, thereby liberating active IL-18 in the tumor microenvironment. This action enhances both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity through activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to increased interferon gamma (IFNg) production and tumor cell killing. The drug is being developed for oncology indications as a novel checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy[1][3][4][5][6].