- In February 2024, Dynavax Technologies Corporation expanded its global CpG 1018 supply agreements through a new strategic collaboration with Valneva SE to support development of advanced combination vaccines. This partnership underscores the growing importance of CpG-based adjuvants in next-generation immunizations and reinforces Dynavax’s leadership in scalable, TLR9-targeting immunostimulants designed for broad infectious disease prevention. The expansion marks a pivotal step in addressing global vaccine demands with highly immunogenic platforms
- In December 2023, Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Regeneron, reported promising results from its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating CMP-001, a CpG-A oligonucleotide delivered via virus-like particles in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for advanced melanoma. The positive immunologic and clinical responses in checkpoint inhibitor-refractory patients demonstrate the synergistic potential of CpG oligonucleotides in reactivating anti-tumor immunity and expanding therapeutic options for resistant cancers
- In October 2023, Idera Pharmaceuticals resumed development of its CpG-based candidate IMO-2125 (tilsotolimod) through preclinical reformulation efforts aimed at improving safety and targeted delivery. This decision followed an earlier trial halt and reflects a renewed commitment to leveraging CpG immunomodulators in niche oncology indications. Idera’s continued innovation showcases the challenges and evolving strategies in optimizing CpG delivery technologies
- In September 2023, Genevant Sciences and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company entered into a licensing agreement for the development of novel CpG oligonucleotide delivery systems using lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms. This alliance is aimed at enhancing the delivery precision of TLR9 agonists and mitigating off-target effects—addressing a critical challenge in CpG-based therapeutics. The agreement demonstrates growing investment in RNA/DNA delivery platforms to improve therapeutic outcomes
- In July 2023, researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) published a study detailing the enhanced tumor suppression achieved by combining CpG oligonucleotides with radiation therapy in a murine colorectal cancer model. The findings underscore the potential of CpG motifs to amplify immune-mediated tumor destruction when integrated with traditional cancer modalities, offering a promising avenue for future clinical translation in solid tumors
