HCW Biologics reported that HCW11-040, a second-generation pembrolizumab-based fusion immunotherapeutic, prevented bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a clinically relevant and highly stringent animal model during IND-enabling studies conducted with Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario.
According to the company, HCW11-040 is designed to block checkpoint receptors and engage costimulatory receptors to activate exhausted immune cells and eliminate high oxygen induced senescent cells. The company expects to complete IND-enabling studies in the second half of 2027 and intends to file an investigational new drug application immediately thereafter.
The release states that BPD is a rare pediatric disease with no approved cure, affecting an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 premature infants annually in the United States and causing long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopmental complications. HCW Biologics also indicates pursuing BPD could align HCW11-040 with recently reauthorized rare pediatric disease priority review voucher incentives.
