RAISe+ Scheme backs Immuno Cure's HCC antibody development

The scheme will fund product development and commercialisation.

Immuno Cure’s pipeline product “Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)” has received funding from Hong Kong's Research, Academic and Industry Sector One-plus Scheme (RAISe+ Scheme) for its development and commercialisation in the next five years.

Launched in October 2023, the RAISe+ Scheme provides selected projects a maximum funding support of $100m on a matching basis.

The project, titled "Research and Development of the Lead Δ42PD1 Antibody Drug as an Immunotherapy against Cancers and Infections," will be led by representatives from the University of Hong Kong (HKU).

∆42PD1, a novel PD-1 isoform discovered by HKU Professor Zhiwei Chen and his team, is an immune regulator in HCC pathogenesis and immune therapy evasion. The anti-∆42PD1 monoclonal antibody, CH101, shows great potential as a therapeutic drug for HCC.

The project team will advance the lead antibody candidate against HCC from preclinical to Phase 2 trials and identify other Δ42PD1-associated cancers and infections within the 5-year RAISe+ project period.