VG161

VG161 is an investigational oncolytic virus therapy based on a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is designed to selectively infect and lyse tumor cells while stimulating systemic antitumor immunity. The virus is armed with multiple immunomodulatory payloads, including genes encoding interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, the IL‑15 receptor alpha subunit (IL‑15RA), and a fusion protein that blocks the PD‑L1 immune checkpoint pathway. This combination aims to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors by increasing T cell and natural killer cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment, converting "cold" tumors into "hot" ones more responsive to immunotherapy. VG161 also features a deletion in the ICP34.5 gene for safety (reducing neurovirulence) but retains ICP47 for enhanced viral persistence and payload expression. Developed by Virogin Biotech, often in collaboration with China National Biotec Group, it is being studied primarily for advanced solid tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and sarcoma[1][2][3][4][5][7][8].

Other names

Recombinant human IL12/15-PDL1B HSV-1 oncolytic virus InjectionRecombinant Human IL12/15-PDL1B Oncolytic HSV-1 Injection