GlobeNewswire·Nov 6, 2026, 9:15 AM ET

HCW Biologics Presents Newly Identified Distinctive Features of Its Lead T Cell Engager Candidate Built with Company’s Proprietary T-Cell Engager Platform, Further Supporting Its Use in Treating Solid Tumors at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer’s 41st Annual Meeting

HCW Biologics announced preclinical data for HCW11-018b, a multivalent T-cell engager, at the 41st SITC Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, from November 4–8, 2026.
HCW11-018b utilizes the Company's non-Fc TRBC platform to combine IL-15 signaling & TGF-β neutralization for enhanced T-cell activation & tumor infiltration.
In preclinical studies, HCW11-018b uniquely induces & promotes the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) inside solid tumors.
The molecule converts immunological "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors by locally expanding CD8+ T cells & B cells to prevent immune exhaustion.
HCW11-018b targets human Tissue Factor (TF) on tumor cells & engages CD3 on T cells while incorporating soluble IL-15 & an IL-15Rα domain.
A soluble TGFβRII domain trap within the structure reduces immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.
Tumor efficacy models showed HCW11-018b promotes targeted CD8+ T cell killing, inhibits solid tumor growth, & caused complete shrinkage of patient-derived pancreatic tumor implants.
The Company received clear FDA guidance from a Type B meeting to prepare an IND application for a first-in-human clinical study.
HCW Biologics intends to initiate the first-in-human clinical trial for HCW11-018b in the first half of 2027.
cGMP manufacturing has been initiated using a high-expression production cell line & a streamlined process similar to therapeutic monoclonal antibody production.

Company: HCW Biologics, Inc
Keywords: Nasdaq:HCWB, HCW Biologics, Inc, #HCWBSITC, #HCWBTCellEngagers, #HCWBTCE