Conditionally Activated IL-12 or IFN Indukine^TM Molecules Inhibit Syngeneic Lymphoma Tumor Growth in Mice, Induce Anti-Tumor Immune Responses and Are Tolerated in Non-Human Primates

Systemic therapy with proinflammatory immune modulators to activate anti-tumor immunity is a promising approach to treat cancer. However, poor pharmacokinetic properties and dose-limiting toxicities such as inflammation, cytokine release syndrome, and tissue damage have prevented or limited the clinical use of cytokines such as interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interferon α (IFNα). Previous clinical development of rhIL-12 was terminated due to toxicity, and although rIFNα is approved for the treatment of melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia, its use has been limited by systemic toxicity and modest efficacy.