From Bladder Cancer to the Future of
Nectin-4-Positive Cancer Therapy.
rVirogen is developing Panectin®, an oncolytic measles virus targeting Nectin-4. Our priority indication is BCG-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), where we are pursuing early clinical proof-of-concept (PoC). Building on that achievement, we aim to expand across Nectin-4-positive solid tumors, including TNBC.
Why Panectin®, Why Now
🎯Nectin-4: High on Tumors, Absent from Normal Tissue
Panectin® uses Nectin-4 as its sole entry receptor. Nectin-4 is broadly overexpressed across cancer types while being largely absent from normal tissues. Normal cells lack Nectin-4 and cannot be infected — tumor selectivity is encoded in the receptor biology, not merely intended.
🧬Direct Tumor Killing via Syncytium Formation
Direct tumor cell killing through syncytium (multinucleated giant cell) formation via intracellular replication and cell fusion is expected—a mechanism distinct from major OVs, as suggested in preclinical studies.
🛡️Safety Profile via SLAM-blind Design — Immune Cell Infection Eliminated
Panectin® has been engineered to eliminate the SLAM infection pathway into immune cells (SLAM-blind). Immune cells cannot be infected.
🔬Activation of Anti-Tumor Immunity
In addition to direct tumor destruction, activation of anti-tumor immunity has been demonstrated in preclinical studies.
Key Pipeline
| Program | Preclinical | Ph.1 | Ph.1b | Ph.2 | Appr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectin-4-Positive Solid Tumors Intratumoral — Investigator Ph.1 (University of Tokyo & Teikyo University) |
✓ | ● | — | — | — |
| BCG-unresponsive NMIBC Intravesical (Primary Indication) |
● | — | 2028– | 2030– | — |
| Nectin-4 IHC Patient Selection (In Development) |
● | — | — | — | — |
※ BCG-unresponsive NMIBC Preclinical: Safety studies for the intravesical route are planned.
News & Updates
For Partners & Investors
If you are interested in co-development, licensing, investment, or strategic partnerships related to Panectin®, please contact us via the IR page. An NDA may be required prior to providing detailed materials.