GSK’s systemic STING agonist could overcome delivery hurdles

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) researchers have developed a STING agonist that can be delivered systemically as opposed to intratumorally, which can overcome challenges of accessing hard to reach tumors or cancers that have spread.

At least two companies have unencapsulated compounds that activate STING (TMEM173), which triggers CD8+ T cells to initiate tumor cell killing, in clinical testing. Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Aduro Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ:ADRO) each have STING agonists in Phase I trials, but recent data showed Aduro's compound led to treatment discontinuations in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. Merck's compound led to treatment-related adverse events in combination and monotherapy arms, but no discontinuations as monotherapy...