MNC-168

MNC-168 is a live biotherapeutic product consisting of the commensal bacterium *Enterococcus lactis* strain MNC-168, which was isolated from a healthy individual. [1, 2] It is being developed by Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Co., Ltd., also known as MoonBio. [1, 4] Formulated as an oral, enteric-coated capsule, MNC-168 is under investigation for the treatment of advanced malignant solid tumors. [3, 6] Preclinical studies have shown that MNC-168 promotes antitumor immunity by activating the innate immune system through the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway. [1, 2, 5] This activation is reportedly mediated by bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) released by the bacterium, which target tumor tissue and enhance the antitumor immune response. [1, 2] In preclinical models, MNC-168 demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth as a monotherapy and to significantly enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors. [1, 4] A Phase 1 clinical trial has been completed to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy as a single agent, and another Phase 1 trial is studying it in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. [6, 12]

Other names

Enterococcus lactis MNC-168