SQZ-eAPC-HPV

SQZ-eAPC-HPV is an autologous, cell-based mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine developed by SQZ Biotech for the treatment of human papillomavirus type 16 positive (HPV16+) solid tumors, including head and neck, cervical, and anal cancers. The therapy uses the Cell Squeeze platform to engineer peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)—including monocytes, T cells, B cells, and NK cells—by delivering five different mRNAs encoding HPV-specific E6 and E7 antigens, the costimulatory molecule CD86, as well as membrane-bound IL-2 and IL-12 cytokines. This approach aims to generate robust CD8+ T cell responses against tumor antigens by providing all three signals required for effective T cell activation: antigen presentation (E6/E7), costimulation (CD86), and cytokine support (IL-2/IL-12). The product is HLA agnostic due to its mechanism of action. Clinical development reached Phase 1/2 in patients with advanced or metastatic HPV16+ solid tumors but was terminated in late 2023 due to a corporate decision[1][2][6][7][8].

Other names

SQZ-eAPC-HPV