The study highlights how HMBD-002, an IgG4 isotype, antiVISTA-neutralizing antibody developed with Hummingbird Bioscience's rational antibody discovery platform, binds specifically, and with high affinity, to a binding site distinct from other published VISTA antibodies. Further, it significantly inhibits tumor growth in syngeneic and humanized murine models of cancer, according to the paper.

The data demonstrate that HMBD-002 inhibits VISTA binding to key partners, including V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 3 (VSIG3), to release suppression of T-cell activity. Additionally, noted Hummingbird, HMBD-002 treatment results in remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in murine models toward an antitumor phenotype. (JITC, February 7, 2022, Vol. 10, e003382.)

HMBD-002 is currently being developed for patients with VISTA-expressing cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer. A phase I clinical trial, NCT05082610, is open and enrolling patients.

Hummingbird Bioscience is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing precision therapies against hard-to-drug targets in cancer and autoimmune disease.