About trabedersen (AP 12009)
Trabedersen (AP 12009) is a novel antisense medication, which has not yet been approved for use in any country. It is a substance that prevents the production of a protein known as transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2). The cells of advanced high-grade brain tumors produce an excessive amount of TGF-β2, which acts as a shield, protecting the tumor from the body’s defense system (the immune system). This effectively weakens the immune system, resulting in accelerated growth and spreading of the tumor (Figure 4). Trabedersen helps to prevent this from happening by blocking the production of TGF-β2, thereby breaking down the protective shield and allowing the immune system to attack and destroy the cancer cells (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Mode of action of trabedersen
Before trabedersen: Tumors produce excessive amounts of TGF-β2. This protein creates an effective shield around the tumor, protecting it against an attack from the body’s immune system.
After trabedersen: The anti-TGF-β2 medication trabedersen (AP 12009) specifically downregulates the production of TGF-β2, resulting in the breakdown of the tumor-protective shield. Active immune cells can then penetrate the tumor and destroy the cancer cells.
