Researchers at Merck & Company Publish New Study on Cancer Therapy

A team of researchers at Merck & Company in Rahway, New Jersey, has published a new study on cancer therapy, revealing key insights into the properties of vibostolimab, a humanized anti-T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT) antibody. The study, titled "Pharmacological and structural characterization of vibostolimab, a novel anti-TIGIT blocking antibody for cancer immunotherapy," has shed light on the biochemical properties of vibostolimab and its potential as a cancer treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• Vibostolimab is a novel anti-TIGIT antibody that completely blocks CD155 binding and induces T-cell activation.
• The research demonstrated direct evidence that vibostolimab not only activates cytotoxic T cells but also induces the activation of antigen-presenting cells.
• Vibostolimab was developed based on its specific binding property to the human and cynomolgus monkey TIGIT protein and its functional blocking activity of the TIGIT:CD155 interaction.
• The biochemical properties of vibostolimab were assessed using Biacore, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray crystallography.
• The research showed that vibostolimab binds the CC'C''FG loop interface of TIGIT, completely competing for the binding site of CD155 with a larger coverage area than another anti-TIGIT antibody, tiragolumab.
• Vibostolimab was tested in combination with pembrolizumab in registrational trials, demonstrating its clinical relevance.

Statistics:

• 13(8) is the issue number of the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer where the study was published.
• The research involved a team of 19 authors from Merck & Company and other institutions.
• The study was funded by Msd Sharp And Dohme.
• Vibostolimab has been tested in combination with pembrolizumab in registrational trials.
• The biochemical properties of vibostolimab were assessed using three different techniques: Biacore, NMR, and X-ray crystallography.

Sources:

• Pharmacological and structural characterization of vibostolimab, a novel anti-TIGIT blocking antibody for cancer immunotherapy. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 2025, 13(8).
• NewsRx. Study Findings on Cancer Discussed by Researchers at Merck & Company (Pharmacological and structural characterization of vibostolimab, a novel anti-TIGIT blocking antibody for cancer immunotherapy). Cancer Weekly. September 2, 2025; p 98.