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Type of technology

Polymer-based particles

Administration route

Intratumoral, Intravenous

Development state and regulatory approval

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Development Stage

Phase II

Regulatory Approval

Not approved yet

Description

This technology uses multi‑arm polymer conjugates of TLR7/8 agonists to activate local antitumor immunity while minimizing systemic toxicity. Delivered intratumorally, these conjugates stay in the tumor, enhance antigen presentation, and boost CD8⁺ T‑cell responses. The release of the TLR7/8 agonist from the polymer conjugate depends on the linkage‑containing spacer (Xₐ) connecting the polymer (POLY) to the drug. When combined with a long‑acting IL‑2Rβ‑biased agonist, they produce synergistic, systemic antitumor effects and strong abscopal responses.

Developer(s)

Nektar Therapeutics
Originator
United States

Nektar Therapeutics

Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1990, the company specializes in immunotherapy, utilizing proprietary PEGylation and polymer conjugate technology platforms to develop drug candidates for autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and oncology.

Technology highlight

1. Core Scaffold (R) – Polyol / Polythiol / Polyamine Backbone (Eg: pentaerythritol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyglycerols) 2. Linker Atom (Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Nitrogen (–NH–)) 3. Polymer Arms (Polyethylene glycol 2,000–150,000 Da) 4. Linkage‑Containing Spacer (Xᵣ) 5. API

Illustration(s)

Technology main components

The conjugated complex has 1. Core Scaffold (R) – Polyol / Polythiol / Polyamine Backbone (Eg: pentaerythritol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, polyglycerols) 2. Linker Atom (Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Nitrogen (–NH–)) 3. Polymer Arms (Polyethylene glycol 2,000–150,000 Da) 4. Linkage‑Containing Spacer (Xᵣ) 5. API

Information on the raw materials sourcing, availability and anticipated price

Not provided

Safety, Efficacy and Evidence Summary

Safety

Rezpegaldesleukin (NKTR-358; REZPEG) is a polyethylene glycol–conjugated recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2). Phase 2 results show Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 66.0% of subjects receiving REZPEG compared with 48.7% of those receiving placebo, while treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 41.9% and 10.4% of subjects, respectively. Severe TEAEs were reported in 3.2% of subjects in the REZPEG group and 4.5% in the placebo group. The most frequently reported TRAE with REZPEG was injection-site reaction (ISR), occurring in 26.4% of subjects.

Efficacy

Not provided

Evidence Summary

Not provided

References and relevant studies

Not provided

APIs compatibility profile

API desired features
Water-insoluble molecules

Unit: mg/mL

Small molecules

(i) Antiviral agents (particularly HIV and chronic viral infections) Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), Protease inhibitors; (ii) Antibacterial agents (including TB and chronic bacterial infections) Rifamycins, Macrolides, Fluoroquinolones; (iii) Antifungal agents; (iv) Antiparasitic agents; (v) Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs; (vi) Anticancer agents and (vii) CNS-active drugs (viii) TLR 7/8 agonists N-[4-(4-amino-2- ethyl-1H-imidazo[4,5c]quinolin-1-yl)butyl

Proteins

Rezpegaldesleukin and Bempegaldesleukin

Additional solubility data

Not provided

Additional stability data

Not provided

API loading: Maximum drug quantity to be loaded

75-90 wt%

API co-administration

1 single API :

LogP

Min: 1.5 Max: 6.5

Scale-up and manufacturing prospects

Scale-up prospects

Not provided

Tentative equipment list for manufacturing

1. Reaction Vessels/bioreactors 2. Magnetic stirrers 3. Heating plates / heating mantles 4. Cooling baths (20°C, 50°C, 60°C operations described) 5. Temperature controllers / thermometers 6. Hand‑swirling for dissolution 7. Nitrogen/argon inert atmosphere setups (implied by anhydrous conditions) 8. Filtration apparatus (frit funnels, Büchner funnels) 9. Vacuum filtration setups 10. High‑vacuum drying systems (overnight drying)

Manufacturing

To manufacture multi-arm conjugated complex, we need ISO cleanroom (class not explicited mentioned). Step1: Derive polymer from Lactide, Glycolide, Caprolactone or Combinations thereof (copolymers) Step 2: Ring-opening polymerization - initiated by alcohol-based initiators, using metal-based catalysts (e.g., tin-based catalysts) Step 3: Polymer purification, Removal of unreacted monomer, Drying of the polymer prior to formulation use Step 4: API and Polymer complex formation using Melt or semi-solid processing or solvent based mixing.

Specific analytical instrument required for characterization of formulation

1. 500 MHz Bruker ¹H NMR spectrometer Drug content & release: 2. HPLC or UPLC 3. UV–Vis spectroscopy Polymer–drug interaction: 4. DSC (thermal behavior) 5. FTIR (compatibility assessment) Physical characterization: 6. Particle size analyzers (if particulate) 7. Microscopy (optical / SEM implied) Stability & performance: 8. Dissolution or release testing apparatus 9. Accelerated stability chambers

Excipients & delivery device(s)

Proprietary excipients used

Not provided

Novel excipients or existing excipients at a concentration above Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) for the specified route of administration

1. Carbohydrates (Monosaccharides; Disaccharides; Polysaccharides; Sugar alcohols (Alditols)) 2. Inorganic Salts (NaCl; KCl; NaSO4; KNO3; Na2PO3/Na2PO4) 3. Antimicrobial Agents (Benzalkonium chloride, Benzethonium chloride, Benzyl alcohol) 4. Antioxidants (Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)) 5. Surfactants (Polysorbates, Pluronics) 6. Buffers (Phosphate buffers) 7. Acids (HCL. HPO3, Acetic acid and citric acid) 8. Bases (NaOH, KOH, NH3OH)

Residual solvents used

Not provided

Delivery device(s)

No delivery device

Additional features

Other features of the technology
  • Biodegradable
Release properties

The release kinetics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) are influenced by multiple factors, including the chemical stability of the linker (with ester < carbonate < carbamate < amide), local pH conditions, and the presence and activity of relevant enzymes (e.g., esterases and proteases). Additional determinants include PEG arm length and molecular architecture, as well as the degree of drug loading, defined by the number of conjugated arms.

Injectability

This technology is adminstered as intratumoral injection. Intratumoral administration is conducted using a fine-gauge needle (approximately 22–25 gauge), with needle insertion angle and depth selected based on tumor size, location, and imaging guidance, where applicable.

Stability

- In situ stability: The stability of the conjugate in circulation is influenced by linker chemistry. Stable linkers (e.g., amides, thioethers) are resistant to hydrolytic cleavage under physiological conditions, whereas releasable linkers undergo gradual cleavage in biological environments. PEG chains (e.g., PEG 20 kDa) enhance aqueous solubility and reduce the risk of drug precipitation. -Formulation stability: Long-term stability studies are typically conducted under controlled conditions (25 °C ± 2 °C / 60% RH ± 5% RH). but no results were disclosed.

Storage conditions and cold-chain related features

1. Refrigeration at 2–8 °C (most PEGylated cytokines) 2. Temperature‑controlled shipping

Therapeutic area(s)

  • Diabetes
  • Other(s) : "dermatological disorders like alopecia areata and acute dermatitis and scarring disorders"
  • HIV
  • Oncology : "Solid Tumors and Large B-Cell Lymphoma"
Use case(s)
  • Treatment

Potential associated API(s)

  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
  • Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Use of technology

Ease of administration
  • Administered by a community health worker
  • Administered by a nurse
  • Administered by a specialty health worker
Frequency of administration

Monthly, Every 2 weeks, Every 3 weeks

User acceptance
Not provided

Targeted user groups

Age Cohort
  • Adults
  • Older Adults
Genders
  • All
Pregnant individuals

Unspecified

Lactating individuals

Unspecified

Healthy individuals

Unspecified

Comment

Not provided

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

IL-2 receptor agonist

Development stage

Phase II

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), Acute dermatitis and Alopecia Areata

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Every 2 weeks

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 agonist (TNFR2)

Development stage

Pre-clinical

Clinical trial(s)

Not provided

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Ulcerative Colitis, Vitiligo, Multiple Sclerosis

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Not provided

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

Bispecific antibody incorporating TNFR agonist

Development stage

Pre-clinical

Clinical trial(s)

Not provided

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Autoimmune Diseases

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Not provided

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)

Development stage

Pre-clinical

Clinical trial(s)

Not provided

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Fibrotic diseases

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Not provided

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

IL-15 receptor agonist

Development stage

Phase II

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Solid Tumors and Large B-Cell Lymphoma (Relapsed/​Refractory Multiple Myeloma & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma)

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Every 3 weeks, every 4 weeks IV infusion

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents

Class(es)

IL-2 receptor agonist

Development stage

Phase II

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Every 3 weeks

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not approved yet

Description

Multi-arm polymer conjugates of tlr agonist compounds and related immunotherapeutic treatment methods

Brief description

Provided are multi-arm polymer conjugates of Toll-Like Receptor ("TLR") agonists such as TLR 7/8 agonists, as well as related compositions, and methods of making and using such conjugates. Exemplary conjugates are encompassed by Formula I: (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof, where R, taken together with each Q, is a residue of a polyol, polythiol, or polyamine bearing from 3 to about 50 hydroxyl, thiol, or amino groups; each Q is a linker selected from oxygen, sulfur and -NH; each POLY is independently a water-soluble, non-peptidic polymer; each Xr is independently a linkage-containing spacer moiety; q is a positive integer from 3 to about 50; and each TLR 7/8 AG is a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist. Also provided is a method of administering to a patient having cancer.

Representative patent

WO2018132496A1

Category

Not provided

Patent holder

Nektar Therapeutics

Exclusivity

Not provided

Expiration date

October 17, 2019

Status

Ceased