NGM438

NGM438 is a novel humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody developed as an antagonist of leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1), a collagen-binding inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells[1][3][7]. LAIR1 and collagens are upregulated in multiple cancer types and contribute to immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment by forming stromal checkpoints that exclude immune cells from tumors and suppress their activity[1][5]. By blocking the interaction between LAIR1 and collagen, NGM438 reprograms myeloid cells from a suppressive to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, induces inflammatory cytokine production by myeloid and T cells, relieves collagen-based suppression of T cell proliferation, and may restore antitumor immune responses[1][3]. The drug is being investigated both as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) for advanced solid tumors including but not limited to breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, esophageal carcinoma, bile duct neoplasms (cholangiocarcinoma), uterine cervix adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastric cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), bladder urothelial cancer[3][5].