Therapeutic Focus
Targeting tumors where IO has fallen short
Vicero is prioritizing solid tumors with high unmet need, starting with colorectal cancer, an area where immunotherapy has shown promise but remains out of reach for most patients.
In colorectal cancer patients without liver metastases, PD-1 + CTLA-4 combinations can drive meaningful responses. Yet the very patients most likely to benefit are often unable to remain on therapy because of severe, immune-related toxicities. This paradox makes colorectal cancer without liver metastases a compelling first indication for Vicero’s approach.
By combining deep tumor penetration, femtomolar potency, and a best-in-class safety profile, VCR-036 has the potential to enable patients to remain on treatment, realize the full benefit of combination therapy, and open the door to new IO combinations that were previously off-limits due to safety concerns.
Why this matters
Many patients could benefit from combination immunotherapy, but tolerability gets in the way.
Our VINCOBODY approach is designed to deliver the strength of combination therapy with fewer trade-offs, so people can stay on treatment longer.
What we aim to show first
- Meaningful tumor responses in colorectal cancer (MSS, no liver metastases)
- Fewer serious side effects so patients can remain on therapy
- Consistent dosing so people receive enough treatment to make a difference
How our approach helps
- Two proven targets in one medicine (like PD-1 and CTLA-4) to bring combination benefits without the usual level of side effects
- Simple dosing: a small, under-the-skin injection about every six weeks (projected), designed for convenience and real-world use
- Built for reach and control: our compact format is designed to reach tumors effectively at low doses
