Immunorock Co., Ltd.
- Biotech or pharma, therapeutic R&D
Immunorock Co., Ltd.—incubated at Kobe University since 2021—has created a first-in-class oral vaccine platform using a patented Bifidobacterium longum vector. By displaying antigens on B. longum’s surface, our technology delivers proteins directly to dendritic cells in Peyer’s patches, eliciting strong systemic immunity via the gut.
Lead Candidate: B440
B440 presents the WT1 tumor antigen, overexpressed in many hematologic and solid cancers. In preclinical models, it showed potent antitumor effects alone and with anti–PD-1 antibodies, converting ICI-resistant “cold” tumors into responsive “hot” tumors.
In a Phase I trial (jRCT2051220143) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma post–PD-1/PD-L1 failure, B440 was well tolerated, induced robust WT1-specific T-cell responses (ELISPOT-positive patients enjoyed longer PFS), and enabled tumor regressions—including complete remission—upon pembrolizumab rechallenge after the clinical trial.
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