First patient dosed in study of cell therapy for gastric cancer

The study, TACTIC-2, will investigate the safety and efficacy of Triumvira’s lead candidate, TAC01-HER2, in targeting HER2 in relapsed or refractory gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumors.

TAC01-HER2 is a novel cell therapy based on genetically engineered autologous T cells expressing a T-cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) that recognizes human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

"This marks a significant milestone for our company, building upon the determination of the recommended phase 2 dose, identifying gastric and gastroesophageal cancer patients as targets for the phase 2 registration supporting study and the positive benefit we observed during the Phase I part of TACTIC-2," said Deyaa Adib, chief medical officer of Triumvira Immunologics.

“Despite considerable advances in the oncology field, HER2-positive gastric and gastro-esophageal cancers remain difficult to treat, and new therapeutic options are urgently needed especially in later treatment lines in a growing patient segment.

“Our TAC technology offers a novel approach that works by leveraging the natural signaling pathways of endogenous TCRs and modifying T cells into TAC T cells with demonstrated success in the treatment of these tumors. We are committed to providing clinically meaningful therapeutic benefits to this patient population with high unmet medical needs."

Triumvira’s T cell Antigen Coupler (TAC) technology is a platform that activates natural T cell functions differently from cell therapies such as CAR-T and engineered T cell receptor (TCR) therapies.

The company is currently developing a broad pipeline targeting promising tumor-associated antigens such as HER2, Claudin 18.2, GUCY2C and GPC3.