GT Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB: GTBP) (GTBP.PA) an immuno-oncology biotechnology company focused on innovative treatments based on the Company’s proprietary NK-engager (TriKE) platform and Multi-Target Bispecific Drug Conjugate (MTBDC) platform, announced today its Tri-Specific Killer Engager can target HIV infected cells in University of Minnesota’s preclinical testing.
In preclinical testing led by Drs. Jeffrey Miller, MD, Deputy Director Masonic Cancer Center and Timothy Schacker, MD, Medical School and Director, Program In HIV Medicine, the research team designed a series of Bi- and Tri- Specific killer-engager (BiKE and TriKE) constructs to direct Natural Killer cell antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against an HIV infected target.
The data demonstrate that a (BiKE) construct containing the Fab of an HIV bnAb and an anti-CD16 component can eliminate HIV-infected targets that express the HIV envelope on their their surface. Based on the success of the BiKE data, GT Biopharma has now expanded the BiKE’s capabilities to be included in the TriKE platform, which the company believes will have further abilities to extend the cytolytic activity currently being demonstrated in its BiKE.
CEO, GT Biopharma, Inc., Anthony Cataldo stated, “According to the World Health Organization, there are over 36 million people currently infected with HIV. The current drugs available to HIV patients only treat the symptoms of HIV at a massive economic cost. They remain infected for the rest of their lives on theses drugs and at risk for serious infections and certain cancers, while still being infectious to others. The TriKE/BiKE represents the possibility of a cure.”
