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CD137 FAP Agonist

BI 765179: CD137 FAP Agonist

Our CD137 FAP bispecific antibody* is designed to act as a CD137 agonist only upon simultaneous binding to CD137 and FAP leading to tumor-restricted activation of tumor-specific CD137+ T-cells.1

Clinical trials: A Phase I trial is currently ongoing to evaluate the CD137 FAP agonist as monotherapy and in combination with ezabenlimab* for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.2

*This is an investigational compound and has not been approved. Its safety and efficacy have not been established.

Role of CD137

CD137, also known as 4-1BB, is a receptor found on the surface of immune cells such as T-cells, NK T-cells, and dendritic cells. It modulates the interactions between the immune system and cancer cells.1,3 The interaction of CD137 with its ligand on antigen-presenting cells leads to a bidirectional activation that promotes immunity against cancer—promoting increased CD4/CD8 T-cell activation, maturation, and survival.3

About our CD137 FAP agonist

Mechanism of action

Our CD137 FAP bispecific antibody selectively targets the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a membrane-bound serine protease restrictively found cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor stroma.4

CD137 FAP antibody selectively reactivates T cells within the tumor microenvironment in a tissue-dependent manner via concomitant binding to FAP on CAFs and CD137 on T cells.1

CD137 FAP agonist mechanism of action1

CD137FAP MoA

CD137, cluster of differentiation 137; FAP, fibroblast activation protein; PD-1, programmed cell death protein 1.

Combination therapy

Combination with anti-PD-1 can boost tumor-specific T cell activity further by both releasing tumor-mediated suppression of T cells and simultaneously activating the T cells through CD137 agonism.1

Clinical development

Our CD137 FAP agonist is undergoing clinical investigation as a monotherapy and in combination with ezabenlimab for the treatment of patients with advanced solid cancers.2

CD137 FAP agonist clinical trial

Trial numberPhaseTreatmentPatient populationStatus

NCT04958239 (1463-0001)2

I

BI 765179 (CD137 FAP bispecific agonist antibody) ± ezabenlimab (PD-1 inhibitor)

Advanced solid tumors

Recruiting

 

CD137, cluster of differentiation 137; FAP, fibroblast activation protein.

  1. Boehringer Ingelheim, data on file.

  2. ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04958239. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04958239. (Accessed: January 2023).

  3. Glorieux C, Huang P. Cancer Communications. 2019;39:1–3.

  4. Trüb M, et al. Journal for immunotherapy of cancer. 2020;8(2).

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