MMZC-HSV-Tk-GFP

MMZC-HSV-Tk-GFP is a non-viral gene therapy candidate developed by Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The system utilizes a proprietary synthetic retro-transposon sequence called the Multiple Myeloma Zip-Code (MMZC) to specifically target and internalize within MM cells. The therapeutic cargo consists of a linearized vector encoding the Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-Tk) suicide gene and a Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) reporter. Upon internalization and expression in MM cells, the HSV-Tk enzyme converts the prodrug ganciclovir into toxic metabolites that inhibit DNA synthesis, leading to selective cell death. Preclinical studies in MM xenograft models have demonstrated tumor-specific gene delivery and reduction in cell viability upon ganciclovir administration, with minimal off-target effects in other organs.