Bridge Biotherapeutics announced a research collaboration with Dr. Jessica M. Konen's Lab at Emory University School of Medicine. The collaboration will explore the potential therapeutic benefits of combination therapy of BBT-877, a novel autotaxin (ATX) inhibitor, with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients harboring KRAS and P53 (KP) mutations who are resistant to anti-PD-1 blockade. As a member of the cancer immunology research program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Dr. Konen's research has shown that autotaxin has a direct impact on the body's immune response to tumors.

Specifically, higher levels of ATX expression are associated with a decrease in the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells and an increase in inflammatory gene signatures, including those related to the cytolytic activity of CD8 T cells. Furthermore, an activated tumor-immune microenvironment upregulates ATX and thus provides opportunities for acquired resistance to anti-PD-1 treatment. From their in vitro studies, the company and the laboratory found that BBT-877 induces CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferation and activation markers, with a robust increase in CD8 T cells that express Granzyme B. The ongoing research collaboration is dedicated to investigating the potential benefits of combining BBT-877 with anti-PD-1 therapy as a treatment approach.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Bridge Biotherapeutics will provide financial support and access to BBT-877, while Dr. Jessica Konen's Lab will contribute its expertise in immunology and oncology. Together, the two entities will conduct preclinical studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of BBT-877 in enhancing anti-tumor immunity.