OBP-502

OBP-502 is an investigational oncolytic adenovirus developed by Oncolys BioPharma. It is a second-generation variant of OBP-301 (Telomelysin), engineered with an RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide motif in the viral fiber protein to enhance infectivity by binding to integrins on the surface of tumor cells. The virus utilizes the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter to drive the expression of the viral E1A and E1B genes, ensuring that viral replication is restricted to telomerase-positive cancer cells. Upon infection and replication, OBP-502 induces oncolysis and immunogenic cell death, releasing factors such as ATP and HMGB1 that stimulate the recruitment of CD8-positive T cells and resident memory T cells (TRMs). OBP-502 is primarily being investigated for the treatment of gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers, often in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.