Medigene AG announced its pipeline expansion into neoantigens (also known as oncogenic driver mutations) with KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue) as the first target in its MDG10xx program, a T cell receptor engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapy being developed in combination with the company's PD1-41BB switch receptor technology. The first KRAS antigens and HLAs (human leukocyte antigens) of the library announced are targeting: KRAS G12V-A11 (MDG2011) KRAS G12V-A03 (MDG2012) KRAS G12D-A11 (MDG2021) Neoantigens are tumor-specific antigens (TSA) and play a critical role in the growth of tumors. These mutations are found in many solid tumors and their prevalence varies depending on the cancer type.

KRAS mutations are widely recognized as the most common oncogene mutations in difficult-to-treat solid tumors existing in ~30% of solid tumors, such as pancreatic, colorectal, endometrial and non-small-cell lung cancer. Global incidence of solid tumors expressing KRAS mutations is estimated to be in excess of 300,000 patients.