Calidi Biotherapeutics announced preclinical success with its systemic RTNova platform, demonstrating effective delivery of gene therapy payloads to targeted tumors and killing over 60 tumor cell lines. The platform utilizes a modified vaccinia virus enveloped in a human cell membrane, enabling systemic delivery and targeted tumor destruction while also acting as a viral vector for gene therapy. Notably, a single dose of their tumor-selective “3KO” RT virus with a specific immunotherapeutic payload significantly altered the tumor microenvironment, leading to the complete eradication of certain tumors in preclinical models.
This development is particularly exciting because it addresses the limitations of intratumoral administration for advanced metastatic cancers. The ability to systemically deliver both oncolytic viruses and gene therapy payloads opens new avenues for treating cancers previously difficult to reach, like late-stage lung cancer. The documented shift in immune composition within the tumor microenvironment further suggests the potential for long-term anti-tumor immunity. This could translate to more durable responses and potentially even prevent metastatic disease, a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
Technically, the RTNova platform combines the tumor-killing ability of oncolytic viruses with the targeted delivery of gene therapy. The use of a human cell membrane envelope allows the virus to evade the immune system and reach distant tumors. The observed 80-92% leukocyte infiltration in treated groups compared to 46% in the untreated group highlights the potent immunomodulatory effect of the combined therapy. This substantial increase in immune cell presence within the tumor strongly suggests a robust anti-tumor response.
This breakthrough positions Calidi to develop multiple assets for various cancer types. The platform’s versatility offers the potential for personalized treatments tailored to specific tumor profiles and genetic payloads. This also creates promising opportunities for collaborations and partnerships to further explore and expand the clinical applications of this technology, accelerating its development and potential impact on cancer patients.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
