vvDD

vvDD is an oncolytic virus derived from the Western Reserve (WR) strain of vaccinia virus, genetically engineered for tumor-selective replication and potent oncolysis. Its selectivity is achieved through the double deletion of the viral genes encoding vaccinia growth factor (VGF) and thymidine kinase (TK). These proteins are essential for viral replication in normal cells but are redundant in cancer cells due to the upregulation of growth factors and nucleotides associated with neoplastic transformation. vvDD is further modified to express cytosine deaminase (CD) and the somatostatin receptor (SR), allowing for potential prodrug activation and molecular imaging, respectively. The virus works through a multi-pronged mechanism: direct oncolysis of infected tumor cells, inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, and the induction of a systemic antitumor immune response. Developed by Jennerex Biotherapeutics (now SillaJen), vvDD has been evaluated in Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid tumors via both intratumoral and intravenous administration.

Other names

VGF/TK-deleted vaccinia virusWestern Reserve strain vaccinia virus mutant