START-002

START-002 is a bispecific antibody developed by Marengo Therapeutics using its proprietary Selective T Cell Activation and Rejuvenation (STAR) platform. The drug is designed to selectively activate and expand a specific subset of T cells by targeting the Vβ12 chain of the T cell receptor (TCR) while simultaneously providing a co-stimulatory signal through the CD28 receptor. By focusing on a specific Vβ family, START-002 aims to rejuvenate a targeted pool of T cells to enhance anti-tumor immunity, potentially offering a more precise and potent immune response compared to non-specific T cell activators or traditional checkpoint inhibitors. It is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of various solid tumors, following the lead program START-001 which targets the Vβ6.7 TCR chain.