Napa9-SPG

Creating the Future of TLR9 Agonists, Today

NapaJen is developing Napa9-SPG, a potent toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist, as a novel immuno-oncology drug, as well as a new potent vaccine adjuvant with potential applications against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus. The compound is currently in preclinical development.

Napa9-SPG

Immuno-Oncology Application:
TLR9 agonists have been shown to activate immune cells and combat the protective immunosuppressive microenvironment that many cancers create around tumors. These mechanisms are complementary to many cancer therapies, supporting the belief that Napa9-SPG may result in synergistic anti-tumor effects when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and/or cancer immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines.

In both in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies, Napa9-SPG has demonstrated greater IFN-α induction potency when compared to multiple competing other TLR9 agonists. Additional preclinical findings highlight the ability of Napa9-SPG to potently activate cytotoxic lymphocytes to kill antigen-specific cells.

Vaccine Adjuvant Application:
TLR9 agonists have generated significant excitement as potential vaccine adjuvants based on their proven ability to stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Preclinical research has demonstrated that Napa9-SPG possesses more potent immunostimulatory activity than other TLR9 agonists, potentially positioning the compound as a best-in-class TLR9 agonist vaccine adjuvant. The company is continuing its preclinical development of Napa9-SPG as a potential vaccine adjuvant and expects to conduct early-stage clinical trials in combination with various vaccine candidates, including those for SARS-CoV-2.