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Virent Energy Systems is a Madison, WI-based company in the Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Biotech sector.
At LAVA, we are focused on applying our expertise in gamma-delta T-cell engagers (TCEs) to transform cancer therapy. We refer to our compounds as gamma-delta bispecific T-cell engagers, or gamma-delta bsTCEs. Our platform generates therapeutics that specifically activate a unique and relatively abundant effector gamma-delta T-cell subset called Vγ9Vδ2 (Vgamma9-Vdelta2) T-cells that have the ability to trigger activity of immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Our gamma-delta bsTCEs have demonstrated superior efficacy and safety profiles compared to other bsTCE approaches in preclinical studies and show preferential activity against tumor cells thereby potentially limiting toxicity in healthy tissue. To date, we are the only company developing bispecific gamma-delta T-cell engaging antibodies for the treatment of cancer. We are building a pipeline of gamma-delta bsTCEs that have applications in both solid and hematologic malignancies. Our lead program, LAVA-051, targets the tumor specific antigen CD1d, which can be overexpressed in multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), among other tumor types. LAVA-051 will enter a Phase I/IIa study in 1Q21.
Sapphire Biotech, Inc.`s diagnostic tool is being used to study the company`s enzyme biomarker to detect pancreatic cancer earlier than circulating tumor cells.
The approach is an autologous, cell-based treatment that activates the full array of patient-specific antigens, resulting in both an innate and adaptive immune response. The company`s lead program is in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer with a significant unmet need. In parallel, the company is also progressing the platform in a select number of additional solid tumors where the unmet need remains great and where initial immunotherapy approaches have often failed to provide a significant benefit.
Working to cultivate a better tomorrow by bringing together human, natural & financial resources to grow our businesses and communities.