[Edaily Reporter KIM JI-WAN ] GENINUS Inc.(389030)is integrating neoantigen prediction technology into its artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery platform, “IntelliRVL.” Following positive results from Phase 3 clinical trials of personalized cancer vaccines by Moderna and Merck (MSD), neoantigen-based precision medicine has garnered significant attention; accordingly, the company is expanding the scope of this technology to include the development of next-generation cancer vaccines.

On the 19th (local time), Moderna and Merck announced positive results from the Phase 3 clinical trial of the personalized cancer vaccine “Intismeran,” showing a reduced risk of cancer recurrence. Intismeran is a personalized cancer vaccine manufactured by analyzing the genetic information of a patient’s cancer cells to select antigens suitable for each individual.

The key to developing personalized cancer vaccines lies in accurately identifying neoantigens. Neoantigens are antigens that do not exist in normal cells but are newly created during the genetic mutation process of cancer cells. Since T cells—a type of immune cell—can recognize these as markers on cancer cells, they serve as primary targets for the development of personalized cancer vaccines and immuno-oncology drugs.

GENINUS Inc. has accumulated technology to analyze tumor-associated targets and neoantigens based on patient-derived cancer data, and to identify antigen and gene candidates that appear selectively in cancer cells rather than in normal cells.

The company plans to combine this neoantigen prediction capability with IntelliRVL’s spatial omics, single-cell, and protein analysis technologies. This will strengthen the company’s ability to identify new targets and target combinations necessary for the development of next-generation anticancer drugs, such as T-cell engagers (TCE) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC).

In particular, in the development of T-cell Engagers (TCEs), not only the direct immune response triggered when the drug attacks specific cancer cell targets but also the secondary immune response induced after cancer cell death can influence therapeutic efficacy.

GENINUS Inc. plans to analyze these subsequent immune responses through neoantigen analysis and more precisely identify targets and suitable cancer types that can maximize the therapeutic efficacy of T-cell engagers (TCEs).

A GENINUS Inc. representative stated, “These clinical results demonstrate how crucial it is in the development of new anticancer drugs to precisely analyze a patient’s cancer genome to identify appropriate antigens and therapeutic targets,” adding, “By combining GENINUS Inc.’s accumulated genomic analysis capabilities with its AI platform, IntelliRVL, we will continue to expand our drug development collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.”