Understanding JZP898: A Breakthrough mRNA Therapy for Solid Tumors

JZP898 is a new drug designed to deliver interferon alpha (IFNα) directly to tumors, reducing harmful side effects. IFNα has known antitumor properties but its use is limited due to severe adverse effects. JZP898 aims to overcome this by targeting IFNα specifically to tumors.

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of JZP898, both alone and in combination with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Researchers will determine the best dosage, monitor side effects, and measure how well the drug works in shrinking tumors. The ultimate goal is to find a treatment that effectively fights cancer with minimal harm to patients.

Here, Meredith McKean, MD, medical oncologist at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, discusses how JZP898 works.

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0:05 | This is a technology that's really been under development in clinical trials for about 7 years or so. This is an mRNA individualized neoantigen therapy. So what this means is that patient tissue is sent off. It is sequenced, and based on the patient's HLA type, neoantigens that are most likely to be recognized by the immune system and stimulate the immune system are encoded into this personalized mRNA therapy It is then sent back, and patients are given serial injections trying to develop a sustained immune response to this therapy