Core Insights - Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing systemic oncolytic targeted immunotherapies, with its lead candidate CLD-401 presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - Calidi has developed an enveloped form of its proprietary oncolytic virus that shows greater resistance to immune clearance, enhancing systemic delivery and efficacy in pre-clinical models [2] - The novel genetic modification in CLD-401 incorporates a chimeric CD55 receptor into the virus envelope, which inhibits complement-mediated clearance, improving the virus's stability in circulation [2][4] - The RedTail platform allows for the delivery of genetic payloads directly into the tumor microenvironment, with CLD-401 expressing an IL-15 superagonist to activate and expand natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Development - Calidi is conducting IND-enabling studies for CLD-401 and plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the second half of 2026 [4] - The company is actively seeking strategic partnerships to accelerate clinical development and enhance the impact of its RedTail platform [4][6] - The lead candidate targets non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and other tumor types with high unmet medical needs [7]
Calidi Biotherapeutics Presents systemic oncolytic platform with CD55-Enhanced expression and IL-15 Superagonist Payload at ASCO Annual Meeting