• Presentation of data for the mechanism underlying HCW9218 against solid tumors
• HCW9218 is the clinical-stage, lead product candidate of HCW Biologics Inc.

MIRAMAR, Fla., April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HCW Biologics Inc. (the “Company” or “HCW Biologics”) (NASDAQ: HCWB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel immunotherapies to lengthen healthspan by disrupting the link between inflammation and age-related diseases, today announced that data for the mechanism underlying HCW9218 against solid tumors will be presented at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research to be held in Orlando, Florida from April 14 – April 19, 2023.

HCW9218 is an injectable, bifunctional fusion protein complex designed to simultaneously stimulate effector T cell and natural killer cell responses and inhibit the activity of TGF-β and its immunosuppressive effect. There are currently two ongoing clinical trials to evaluate HCW9218 in solid tumors. A Company-sponsored Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in patients with chemo-refractory/chemo-resistant pancreatic cancer currently has four clinical sites enrolling patients. The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota is sponsoring a Phase 1 study to evaluate HCW9218 in various solid tumors. The Company selected chemo-refractory/chemo-resistant solid tumors for its first clinical indications because solid tumor cancers are characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma or desmoplasia that allows a tumor to shield itself from standard-of-care treatment, such as chemotherapy and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. The immunosuppressive growth factor, TGF-β, plays a major role in formation of desmoplasia and promoting tumor growth and metastasis.

Details of the presentation are as follows:

The poster presentation will be made available on the Company’s website in the Investors section under Events & Presentations, following the conference.

For conference information, visit: AACR Annual Meeting 2023 | Meetings | AACR

About HCW Biologics

HCW Biologics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel immunotherapies to lengthen healthspan by disrupting the link between chronic, low-grade inflammation, and age-related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as other conditions such as long-haul COVID-19. The Company has combined a deep understanding of disease-related immunology with its expertise in advanced protein engineering to develop the TOBI™ (Tissue factOr-Based fusIon) discovery platform. The Company uses its TOBI™ discovery platform to generate designer, novel multi-functional fusion molecules with immunotherapeutic properties. The invention of HCW Biologics’ two lead molecules, HCW9218 and HCW9302, was made via the TOBI™ discovery platform. The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate HCW9218 in chemo-refractory/chemo-resistant solid tumors that have progressed after prior chemotherapies (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05322408). The Company is also enrolling patients in a Company-sponsored Phase 1b/2 clinical trial to evaluate HCW9218 in chemo-refractory/chemo-resistant advanced pancreatic cancer (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05304936). The Company’s lead molecule for its regulatory T cell expansion program, HCW9302, is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies for an autoimmune indication.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” “forecast” or other similar words and include, without limitation, statements regarding the ability of HCW9218 to stimulate effector T cell and natural killer cell responses and inhibit the activity of TGF-β; the ability of HCW9218 to treat cancer. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. in the annual report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 28, 2023 and in other filings filed from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. 

Company Contact:
Rebecca Byam
CFO
HCW Biologics Inc.
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