Development of an EGFR-Targeted Therapy for EGFR-High Solid Tumors

TissueGUARD GmbH is developing an innovative EGFR-targeted anticancer therapy, currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2, for the treatment of advanced solid tumors characterized by high expression or overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The primary indications of interest are EGFR-high triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly basal-like models, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the project is not restricted to these indications, and other well-characterized EGFR-overexpressing solid-tumor models may be considered where they offer a strong scientific and translational rationale. The proposed project is intended to bring together complementary expertise in technology development, cancer biology, and preclinical validation within a European collaborative R&D consortium.

Within the consortium, TissueGUARD will lead the technology-development work package, including the chemical and material development of the therapeutic platform, formulation, functionalization, EGFR-targeting strategy, physicochemical characterization, and optimization of the delivery system. TissueGUARD will also provide and adapt the investigational formulations required for biological testing and will work closely with the biological partner to optimize the technology based on in vitro and in vivo results. The project structure is envisaged as an iterative development-validation process, in which results from biological screening and preclinical studies directly inform further optimization of the therapeutic platform.

TissueGUARD is seeking a research institution, clinical research group, or preclinical oncology partner to lead or substantially contribute to the biological validation and preclinical oncology work packages. The expected partner role would include selection and characterization of suitable EGFR-high cancer cell models, in vitro screening of therapeutic activity and target dependence, selection of the most appropriate tumor model, and subsequent evaluation in relevant in vivo models. Partners with established TNBC or HNSCC models are preferred, but other EGFR-overexpressing solid-tumor models are also of interest. Additional expertise in tumor-response assessment, histology, biomarker analysis, biodistribution, pharmacodynamic evaluation, and preclinical efficacy assessment would be highly valuable. The objective is to establish a complementary consortium and jointly prepare a competitive ERA-NET or other European collaborative R&D gr