Science & Pipeline
Research and Developmental Pipeline
VBL’s efforts are focused on developing therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is led by VB-111, a first-in-class anti-cancer gene therapy with a dual mechanism of action, that is in clinical development to treat a wide range of solid tumors.
VB-111
VB-111, VBL Therapeutics’ lead oncology candidate, is a first-in-class anti-cancer gene therapy that is based on the Company’s proprietary Vascular Targeting System (VTS™) to target endothelial cells of angiogenic blood vessels found in a wide range of solid tumors. VB-111 uses a dual-mechanism of action to kill tumors directly by first selectively targeting the blood vessels required for tumor growth and encouraging the programmed cell-death process, and second, as a viral vector, VB-111 recruits immune cells into the tumor turning the tumor from immunologically “cold” to “hot”. Once immune cells are inside the tumor, they can identify both VB-111 and tumor specific proteins and destroy tumor cells.
Vascular Targeting System (VTS™)
VBL’s proprietary Vascular Targeting System (VTS™) platform technology enables a systemic administration of gene therapy to destroy newly formed angiogenic blood vessels feeding the tumor or promote angiogenic (newly formed) blood vessels. VTS is both tissue-and condition-specific, allowing for targeted and limited gene expression in endothelial cells, the thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, undergoing active angiogenesis.
VB-111, our lead drug candidate, leverages the potential of the VTS platform technology for treatment of solid tumors. Using a viral vector as a delivery tool, VB-111 carries the information needed to create a cell death receptor that would destroy the blood vessels feeding the tumor. When administered, VB-111 delivers its code into the patient’s body and tumor environment. Once the gene therapy has reached the blood vessels that feed the tumor, VBL’s PPE-1-3X promoter activates a cell death process that will subsequently destroy angiogenic blood vessels and lead to tumor starvation, necrosis (cell death), and shrinkage.
Anti-MOSPD2
MOSPD2 is a membrane protein whose function was previously unknown. VBL discovered new biology findings in the regulation of cell motility, in which MOSPD2 seems to play a key role. The data indicate that MOSPD2 is required for directional movement, or chemotaxis, of tumor cells and certain immune cells.
The data show that MOSPD2, which is predominantly expressed on the surface of human monocytes, is essential for their migration. By inhibiting this protein, we seek to block this migration of monocytes to sites of inflammation, and accordingly, to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. VB-601 is a monoclonal antibody that blocks MOSPD2 on monocytes and prevents their migration to sites of inflammation. We are advancing VB-601 towards first-in-human study, as a potential biologic treatment for various chronic immune-inflammatory diseases.
MOSPD2 as a target for Cancer
MOSPD2 can be found in many types of solid tumors and it seems to be highly expressed on tumor cells when they start invading tissues or creating metastatic lesions. This correlates with the role VBL has identified for MOSPD2 as a key regulator of cell motility in tumor cells. The preliminary data indicate that knock-out of MOSPD2 in tumor cells may reduce metastasis by 95% in some pre-clinical settings.
VBL is conducting a drug development program that explores the potential of MOSPD2 as a therapeutic target for cancer.
Lecinoxoids
Unique, Orally Available Investigational Drugs for Treatment of Immune-Inflammatory Disorders
VBL’s proprietary Lecinoxoid platform technology comprises of a family of orally administered small molecules designed to modulate the body’s inflammatory response. Lecinoxoids are compounds that are structurally and functionally similar to naturally occurring molecules, known as oxidized phospholipids, which have immune modulating anti-inflammatory proprieties. However, unlike the native compounds which are short-lived, the lecinoxoids are chemically designed to achieve increased stability and potency.
Lecinoxoids have the potential to act through two specific mechanisms:
The inhibition of cellular signaling cascades associated with the innate immune system, known as toll-like receptor, or TLR, signaling. The inhibition of the migration of monocytes toward chemoattractants present in areas of inflammation.
VB-201
VB-201 has demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept in a Phase 2 trial in vascular inflammation and is in Phase 2 trial to treat severe COVID-19.