A promising new cancer technology from NIH could help improve how liver cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and better treatment options are urgently needed. NIH inventors have developed two fully human antibodies, called B9 and B10, that target a unique marker linked to liver cancer.

The antibodies were created following the discovery of CE1, a viral peptide antigen from the rhinovirus and enterovirus families that is associated with a lower risk of developing liver cancer. In research studies, B9 and B10 were able to recognize and attach to liver cancer cells while largely avoiding healthy tissue. They also helped the body's immune system attack and slow the growth of tumors.

The technology could be developed as a stand-alone treatment for liver cancer or used in a variety of advanced cancer therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), CAR therapies, bispecific antibodies, radiopharmaceuticals, and immunotoxins. It may also have applications in diagnosing liver cancer and treating other cancers, such as prostate and lung cancer.

Key advantages include selective targeting of tumor cells, the potential for fewer side effects than less targeted approaches, and compatibility with established antibody development and regulatory pathways. These features may help reduce development risk and support commercialization efforts.

Potential commercial applications across cancer treatment and diagnosis include: 

• Liver Cancer treatment
  • Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs)
  • Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)
  • Bispecific monoclonal antibody
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
• Liver Cancer diagnosis
• Therapeutics for tumors expressing a molecule recognized by a CE1-specific antibody, such as:
  • Prostate cancer
  • Lung cancer

If you are interested in licensing or collaborating on this technology, you can learn more or contact the licensing manager: Human Antibodies Targeting Beneficial Viral Peptide in Liver Cancer