On April 23, 2020 Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, reported that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of its first-in-class antibody SRF388, which targets the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-27.
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"IL-27 is an immunosuppressive cytokine that is associated with poor outcomes in certain tumor types. Our first-in-class anti-IL-27 antibody SRF388 strongly inhibits the action of IL-27, a mechanism designed to stimulate the immune system to mount a robust attack against the tumor," said Robert Ross, M.D., chief medical officer of Surface Oncology. "The development of SRF388 is informed by a compelling translational hypothesis which led us to prioritize early assessment in hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma, both of which are characterized by high levels of circulating EBI3, a subunit of IL-27."
The Phase 1 dose escalation study will enroll patients with advanced solid tumors. Once a recommended Phase 2 dose is reached, the study is designed to expand into cohorts consisting of patients with late-stage renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Surface expects to provide an initial clinical update from the dose escalation portion of the study by the end of 2020.
About SRF388
SRF388 is a fully human anti-IL-27 antibody designed to inhibit the activity of this immunosuppressive cytokine. Surface Oncology has identified particular tumor types, including hepatocellular and renal cell carcinoma, where IL-27 appears to play an important role in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and may contribute to resistance to treatment with checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, Surface Oncology has identified a potential biomarker associated with IL-27 that may be useful in helping identify patients most likely to respond to SRF388.