MDK-703 + immune checkpoint inhibitor

MDK-703 + immune checkpoint inhibitor refers to the combination of MDK-703, an investigational extended half-life interleukin-7 (IL-7) mimetic Fc-peptide fusion protein, with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (often a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor) for cancer therapy. MDK-703 is a synthetic peptide (PEPTIKINE) fused to an immunoglobulin Fc-domain, designed by Medikine to emulate the activity of IL-7, a cytokine fundamental for T cell development, maintenance, and expansion—especially memory T cell subsets crucial for durable anti-tumor immunity. MDK-703 increases CD8 and CD4 T cell counts and expands T-memory stem (Tscm), central memory, and effector memory populations, and is not expected to induce anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) against native IL-7. Preclinical and early Phase 1 data show MDK-703’s immune modulatory effects and safety. This combination is under clinical investigation for solid tumors, aiming to augment anti-tumor responses by both enhancing T cell immunity (via IL-7 agonism) and reducing tumor immune escape (via immune checkpoint inhibition).