SIGA Technologies has entered into a collaboration with Turnstone Biologics to provide TPOXX® (tecovirimat) in connection with Turnstone’s proprietary SKV vaccinia oncolytic immunotherapy platform. The platform utilizes vaccinia viruses engineered for increased selectivity and safety, as well as high-potency immune stimulation, and allows delivery of multiple therapeutic agents directly to tumors. The collaboration will provide Turnstone with access to SIGA’s TPOXX oral antiviral capsules for use if required in future clinical programs.
“TPOXX has potential as a new tool to support the adoption of oncolytic vaccinia virus immunotherapies, including those being developed by Turnstone,” said Dr. Phil Gomez, CEO of SIGA. “The availability of a potent antiviral drug against vaccinia provides additional assurance to patients receiving these promising investigational therapies, their physicians, and regulators. We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with Turnstone Biologics, a leading innovator of next-generation oncolytic viral therapies.”
“For nearly a century, viruses have been used as the backbone for prophylactic vaccines that have saved more lives than any other medical innovation in human history. Turnstone is harnessing the inherent immune-stimulating properties of viruses to create novel cancer therapies. As part of our responsible stewardship of this biologic product, we are pleased to partner with SIGA to make TPOXX available if needed in clinical trials,” Mike Burgess, Ph.D., President, Research and Development at Turnstone said.
In preclinical studies, TPOXX has been shown to be active against most orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia (published in NEJM, 20181). The unique mechanism of action of TPOXX coupled with published efficacy in animal studies, make it an important addition to development programs focused on vaccinia-based cancer therapies.
On July 13, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral TPOXX for the treatment of smallpox to mitigate the impact of a potential outbreak or bioterror attack. TPOXX is the only FDA-approved treatment of smallpox.