VacV-002

VacV-002 is a genetically engineered oncolytic virus therapy based on a modified Lister strain of the vaccinia virus. Developed by VacV Biotherapeutics (UK) Ltd, it is designed to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, particularly targeting colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. The construct expresses the fusion gene FCU1 (ΔI4LΔJ2R/FCU1 VACV) under the control of the p11K7.5 promoter and also expresses GFP (ΔI4LΔJ2R/GFP VACV), enhancing its ability to track viral spread and activity in preclinical models. The genetic modifications enhance tumor specificity, promote anti-tumor immune responses, improve viral spread within tumors, reduce early viral clearance, and remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to boost immunity against cancer cells. Preclinical studies suggest high efficacy after systemic delivery across various solid tumors[1][2][10].