Casdozokitug (IL-27)
A first-in-class anti-IL-27 antibody for solid tumors.
Target
Interleukin (IL)-27 is an immune regulatory cytokine that is central in controlling the intensity and duration of the immune response by inducing expression of immunoregulatory receptors and reducing inflammatory cytokine production. Its key role in suppressing immune mechanisms and inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses highlights its importance as a new target for cancer treatment.
Casdozokitug has the potential to boost the immune system by stopping the immune-suppressing effects of IL-27, enabling anti-tumor activity with potential to combine with other cancer treatments.
Program
Casdozokitug is a human anti-IL-27 antibody designed to inhibit the activity of this immune regulatory cytokine. We are focused on developing casdozokitug in particular tumor types where IL-27 secreted from macrophages appears to play an important role in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and may contribute to resistance to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Preclinical studies have shown that treatment with casdozokitug blocks the immunosuppressive biologic effects of IL-27, resulting in immune cell activation in combination with other cancer therapies including anti-PD-1 therapy, as well as anti-tumor effects. Casdozokitug has been granted Orphan Drug designation and Fast Track designation for the treatment of refractory hepatocellular carcinoma from the FDA. It is the first IL-27 antibody to enter the clinic.
Progress
Blocking IL-27 with casdozokitug in clinical trials has led to monotherapy tumor growth inhibition and partial responses in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (NCT04374877) and combination activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Final data from a Phase 2 trial of casdozokitug/atezolizumab/bevacizumab in first-line HCC was reported at ASCO-GI 2025. The data showed an overall response rate of 38% and a 17.2% complete response rate. Responses were seen in viral and nonviral disease, and toxicity was consistent with the known safety profiles of atezolizumab and bevacizumab, with no new safety signals identified.
A randomized Phase 2 study evaluating casdozokitug/toripalimab/bevacizumab versus toripalimab/bevacizumab in first-line HCC is ongoing.
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