TransCode Therapeutics Reports Publication of United States Patent Application Covering TransCode’s RIG-I Agonist Immunotherapeutic

BOSTON, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAZ), the RNA oncology company committed to more effectively treating cancer using RNA therapeutics, reported publication of United States Patent Application titled, “Nanoparticles and Template Directed RIG-I Agonist Precursor Compositions and Uses Thereof For Cancer Therapy“ (Pub. No.: US 2024/0042070 A1; Pub. Date: February 8, 2024).

The application describes compositions and methods to treat cancer using a novel class of immunotherapy inspired by the innate immunity of mammalian cells against microbes. This novel type of immunotherapy targets molecules called retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs). RLRs are key RNA sensors that can be activated for the treatment of cancer using synthetic RNAs that mimic viral infection, directing the immune response against cancer. There is no assurance that any patent will issue from this application.

TransCode’s RIG-I agonist precursor comprises single-stranded 5’-uncapped biphosphate or triphosphate oligonucleotides having a sequence complementary to an endogenous microRNA. The precursor may be carried by a nanoparticle such as TransCode’s TTX delivery technology and may include a radiolabel for imaging or therapy. It is designed to activate the immune system against tumor cells with high specificity potentially resulting in effective treatment of multiple primary, metastatic, and recurrent cancers. What is novel about TransCode’s approach is the capacity to recruit pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as RIG-I, in a tumor-selective manner which TransCode believes is critical for clinical applications.  

“TransCode’s tumor-selective RIG-I agonists could enable this novel immunotherapy against cancer by triggering the immune system to attack the specific tumor while sparing healthy tissue,” commented Zdravka Medarova, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer at TransCode. “Further selectivity against cancer may be achievable by linking RIG-I agonists to TransCode’s TTX delivery platform. This linkage mechanism is currently being studied in a first-in-human microdose clinical trial with a radiolabeled version of TransCode’s lead therapeutic candidate, TTX-MC138. TTX-MC138 consists of an iron oxide nanocarrier conjugated to a nucleic acid specifically designed to inhibit the oncogenic RNA, microRNA-10b. Preliminary data indicate that following dosing, radioactivity accumulated in the region of the metastatic lesions, consistent with accumulation of TTX-MC138 in lesions observed in preclinical qualitative studies. Data analysis from the subject dosed in this trial is ongoing and will be included in the final trial report.”