MAIA-2021-20

MAIA-2021-20 is a novel, second-generation THIO-based prodrug developed by MAIA Biotechnology. It is a lipid-conjugated compound derived from THIO and belongs to a new chemical class called telomere targeting divalent dinucleotides. The drug is designed to induce cancer cell death by targeting telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, thereby stimulating cell death in tumor cells. Preclinical studies have shown that MAIA-2021-20 demonstrates marked activity in advanced tumors and can overcome immunotherapy resistance, with efficacy observed in models of lung cancer, colorectal carcinoma, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The compound has been evaluated both as monotherapy and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies). As of June 2025, it remains in preclinical or discovery stages without clinical trial data reported for human subjects[1][2][3][4][5].