Apogenix

Apogenix GmbH operates as a privately-held biopharmaceutical entity specializing in immuno-oncology, established in 2005 as a spin-off from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, Germany. The company focuses on developing protein-based therapeutics to address cancer and other malignant diseases by modulating pathways within the Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily (TNFSF). This approach aims to restore the body's natural anti-tumor immune response and inhibit the proliferation of diseased cells.

The company was co-founded by individuals including Dr. Harald Fricke, who served as COO and CMO, leveraging his expertise in autoimmunity and tumor immunology to build out the firm's initial pipeline. The executive leadership is headed by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Thomas Hoeger, who joined in November 2005. Dr. Hoeger’s background combines scientific and financial expertise, having previously worked as a biotech analyst for DZ Bank and headed 'Central Nervous System' research at BASF AG. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the German Cancer Research Center and training as a Certified European Financial Analyst. The business model centers on the discovery and clinical development of these novel therapeutics, with revenue generated through licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical partners, public grants, and financing rounds. A notable partnership includes an agreement with CANbridge Life Sciences for the development and commercialization of its lead candidate in China, Macao, and Hong Kong. Another key collaboration involves AbbVie, which licensed Apogenix's TRAIL receptor agonist program.

Apogenix's portfolio is built upon two core technology platforms. The lead drug candidate is Asunercept (APG101), a CD95 ligand inhibitor. Asunercept is a fully human fusion protein that combines the extracellular domain of the CD95 receptor with the Fc domain of an IgG1 antibody, designed to block the CD95 ligand and thereby restore the immune response against tumors. It is in late-stage clinical development for treating solid tumors like glioblastoma, hematological diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and has also been explored for viral infections, including COVID-19. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted it PRIME designation for glioblastoma. The company is also developing a companion diagnostic to identify patients most likely to respond to Asunercept. The second platform is the proprietary HERA-ligand technology, which constructs hexavalent TNF superfamily receptor agonists. This platform has produced several preclinical candidates, including agonists for CD40, CD27, and GITR, designed to offer therapeutic advantages over traditional antibody-based treatments.

Keywords: immuno-oncology, biopharmaceutical, protein therapeutics, TNF Superfamily, cancer therapy, Asunercept, APG101, CD95 ligand inhibitor, glioblastoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, HERA-ligand technology, hexavalent agonists, clinical trials, drug development, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, licensing agreements, AbbVie, CANbridge, Thomas Hoeger