HCW Biologics develops pembrolizumab-based cancer treatment

HCW Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ: HCWB) announced it has developed a pembrolizumab-based immunotherapeutic for solid tumors, particularly pancreatic and ovarian cancers, using its proprietary TRBC platform technology.

The company's fusion molecule combines pembrolizumab with additional components designed to neutralize transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and activate immune cell responses. In preclinical studies, the treatment showed anti-pancreatic cancer activity and outperformed pembrolizumab alone in laboratory tests and humanized mouse models.

"Immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionized the immunotherapeutic approach against cancer. Unfortunately, it has been reported they only induce an overall response in less than 20% of cancer patients within their FDA-approved indications, and most responses are not durable," said Dr. Hing C. Wong, founder and CEO of HCW Biologics.

The company reported that immune checkpoint inhibitors generated over $40 billion in worldwide sales in 2024. HCW Biologics' approach aims to improve efficacy by combining checkpoint inhibition with immune cell activation mechanisms.

The pembrolizumab-based fusion molecule is designed to block checkpoint receptors while engaging costimulatory receptors. In preclinical studies, it demonstrated enhanced immune cell activation, expansion, tumor infiltration, and cancer cell cytotoxicity compared to pembrolizumab alone.

Dr. Wong will present the IND-enabling study results at Nova Southeastern University's College of Pharmacy Seminar Series on September 12, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

HCW Biologics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immunotherapies for diseases involving chronic inflammation and age-related conditions. The company's TRBC platform has been used to construct over 50 molecules across multiple therapeutic classes.

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