Our Platforms
HCW Biologics has combined a deep understanding of disease-related immunology with expertise in advanced protein engineering to develop fusion immunotherapeutics using its two proprietary drug discovery and development platforms. These two platforms have enabled the Company to create over 50 novel fusion immunotherapeutics which can be used to treat a wide range of disease indications, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and senescence-associated dysplasia, and improve quality of life for patients.
TOBI™ Platform
Our TOBI™ (Tissue factOr-Based fusIon) platform is a proprietary immunotherapeutic drug discovery and development platform1,2 which enables us to construct multi-domain cytokine-based immunotherapeutics using a Tissue-Factor (“TF”) scaffold.
The domains of TOBI-based molecules are discrete. We have evaluated a TOBI-based molecule in clinical trials and have generated human data that shows that this molecule is capable of achieving the desired immune responses against solid tumors, including ovarian and pancreatic cancer3. Based on other research, we believe that other TOBI-based molecules could activate immune responses against other diseases or infected cells by blocking unwanted
autoimmune / inflammatory activities1,2.
Based on a TF scaffold, the TOBI platform packs multiple protein targets, including cytokines, single- chain antibodies, and ligands, into a fusion molecule. These molecules are capable of engaging immunostimulatory functions and addressing
many signaling pathways simultaneously. Some of these fusion protein complexes have ex vivo and in vivo applications. Moreover, the TOBI platform is reproducible and suitable for cGMP manufacturing1,2.
- Zhu X, et al. A novel interleukin-2-based fusion molecule, HCW9302, differentially promotes regulatory T cell expansion to treat atherosclerosis in mice. Front Immunol. 2023 Jan 25;14:1114802.
- Shrestha N, et al. A “Prime and Expand” strategy using the multifunctional fusion proteins to generate memory-like NK cells for cell therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2024 Jul 3;73(9):179.
- George VK, Wong HC, et al. TGF-βRII/IL-15 immunotherapeutic complex targets exhausted CD8+ T-cell subsets in lymph nodes and tumors. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. 2025;13:e013533.
TRBC Platform
Our TRBC (T-Cell Receptor β Chain Constant Region) platform is a proprietary immunotherapeutic discovery and development platform, which enables us to create fusion immunotherapeutics that activate immune responses and specifically target cancerous or infected cells. The platform utilizes the TRBC protein as a scaffold to build multi-chain chimeric polypeptides, which include target-binding domains and affinity domains, enabling the targeting of specific antigens. We believe these polypeptides stimulate immune cells, modulating immune functions and signaling pathways.
Molecules created with the TRBC platform integrate multiple protein targets, such as cytokines, single-chain antibodies, and ligands, into a single fusion complex designed to engage immunostimulatory functions and modulate various signaling pathways. This flexible, adaptable platform has facilitated the development of a groundbreaking pipeline of internally developed product candidates.
This versatile scaffold enables the creation of multiple functional immune cell stimulators, second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors, and second-generation immune cell engagers.
