The Berlin-based biotechnology company Mologen AG has announced the first patient enrolment in the phase I clinical study with MGN1703, an innovative cancer medicine. MGN1703 is based on the DNA immunomodulator dSLIM developed by Mologen. The clinical study is performed in the university hospitals of Essen and Cologne.

Dr Matthias Schroff, CEO of Mologen AG, commented: "We now have laid the foundation for a successful execution of the study. With the first patient enrolled today, the study is well on schedule."

The study (phase I) of the safety, compatibility and immunological effect of MGN1703 in the treatment of various cancers is a major milestone for a comprehensive clinical development program. Mologen plans to establish an effective, compatible treatment for the treatment of the most frequent cancers in the form of MGN1703. According to forecasts from experts, there is a global market worth several billion dollars for innovative, immunomodulatory forms of cancer therapy.

The study is performed at the renowned cancer centres in university hospitals in Essen and Cologne, and will last around six months.

In dSLIM (double Stem Loop Immunomodulator), Mologen has developed an innovative TLR9 agonist. Use of dSLIM activates the immune system to protect against tumour-associated antigens by targeting the TLR9 receptor on certain immune cells. As a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, tumour-associated antigens are released by cancer cells. The immune system activated by dSLIM is in a position to overcome its fatal tolerance towards cancer cells and advance against them strategically.

MOLOGEN AG, a biopharmaceutical company based in Berlin, specializes in the research and development of innovative medicines based on DNA structures (DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid).