LabGenius utilising machine learning to ‘transform’ cancer treatment

16-May-2023 - Last updated on 16-May-2023 at 14:04 GMT

LabGenius, which uses machine learning (ML) for antibody discovery, has presented data in a poster presentation at the Protein Engineering and Biotherapeutics (PEGS) annual meeting.

The presentation debuted data from LabGenius’ T-cell engager (TCE) lead optimisation platform that delivered highly potent and efficacious single-domain antibodies with best-in-class killing selectivity.

Optimising antibody therapeutics across multiple properties is challenging, especially for TCEs. As a result, many existing immunotherapies have poor selective cell killing profiles, which can result in on-target, off-tumour toxicity and the discontinuation of treatment.

On-target, off-tumour effects occur due to the presence of a target antigen across multiple tissue types, meaning that healthy tissues are also targeted.

LabGenius’ ML-driven platform can be used for the simultaneous optimization of potency, efficacy, tumor cell selectivity and developability. In the demonstration study, LabGenius’ platform was used to co-optimize VHH-based HER2xCD3 TCEs, which resulted in the delivery of novel highly selective, high-performing molecules with non-intuitive design features.

The top performing molecules demonstrated ≥10,000-fold killing selectivity, corresponding to a >400-fold improvement over a relevant clinical benchmark, Runimotamab (a TCE currently in phase 1 clinical trials).

LabGenius is leveraging this target and format-agnostic platform technology across both partnered programs and a pipeline of wholly-owned TCEs.

Transforming cancer treatment

“Antibody-based immunotherapies, including TCEs, have the potential to transform the way we approach cancer treatment,” said Dr Gino Van Heeke, chief scientific officer at LabGenius.

“This demonstration study has delivered impressive results, verifying that LabGenius’ ML-driven platform can modify a molecule's design to overcome existing therapeutic shortcomings. This platform technology is now being applied to the TCEs in our wholly-owned pipeline so that our lead optimisation capability can deliver benefits for patients.”

Speaking to LabGenius’ success, CEO and founder, Dr James Field, commented that “these results represent a significant milestone for the company because it clearly demonstrates our platform’s ability to accelerate the discovery of highly targeted molecules that could alleviate the toxic side effects associated with existing immunotherapies. We’re delighted to offer this unique capability to our partners, whilst also applying the technology to our own pipeline of therapeutic assets.”