TransCon IL-2 β⁄γ

TransCon IL-2 β⁄γ is a novel long-acting prodrug of a modified interleukin-2 (IL‑2) cytokine designed for cancer immunotherapy. It uses hydrogel-based sustained-release technology to deliver an engineered variant of endogenous human interleukin‑2 that selectively binds and activates the intermediate-affinity interleukin‑2 receptor beta/gamma (IL‑2Rβ/γ), while avoiding activation of the high-affinity alpha subunit (IL‑2Rα). This selectivity aims to robustly activate cytotoxic lymphocytes—specifically CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells—while minimizing stimulation of regulatory T cells and eosinophils that are associated with toxicity. The drug is being developed by Ascendis Pharma for the treatment of advanced or metastatic solid tumors as monotherapy or in combination with other agents such as pembrolizumab. Preclinical and early clinical data show durable immune activation with reduced risk of cytokine storm or vascular leak syndrome compared to traditional high-dose aldesleukin therapy[1][6][9].

Brand names

TransCon IL-2 β⁄γ

Other names

TransCon IL-2 beta/gammaTransCon IL-2β/γ