MSC-apceth-111

MSC-apceth-111 is an investigational cell-based gene therapy consisting of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been genetically modified using a retroviral vector to express the Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-TK) gene. The expression of this suicide gene is driven by the tumor-selective CCL5 (RANTES) promoter, which is highly active in the inflammatory environment of many cancers. When administered intravenously, these modified MSCs home to tumor sites. Subsequent administration of the prodrug ganciclovir allows the HSV-TK enzyme to convert ganciclovir into a toxic triphosphate metabolite. This metabolite inhibits DNA polymerase and causes cell death not only in the MSCs themselves but also in neighboring tumor cells through the bystander effect. Developed by apceth Biopharma, MSC-apceth-111 has been evaluated in the TREAT-ME Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

Other names

apceth-111apceth111apceth 111modified allogeneic MSCs