Verismo SynKIR-110 Shows Phase 1 Safety in Solid Tumors

PHILADELPHIA, April 20, 2026

Verismo Therapeutics has reported promising initial Phase 1 clinical data from its STAR-101 trial, evaluating SynKIR™-110, a first-in-class multi-chain KIR-CAR T cell therapy, in patients with advanced solid tumors. The findings, presented at the AACR 2026 Clinical Trial Plenary Session, demonstrate a favorable safety profile, early efficacy signals, and dose-dependent biological activity, marking a significant advancement in next-generation cell therapy innovation.

Phase 1 Data Demonstrate Strong Safety and Early Efficacy

The first-in-human STAR-101 trial evaluated nine patients across three dose-escalation cohorts with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma. The results showed a favorable safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed, and importantly, no high-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity (ICANS) events reported.

The therapy demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy signals, with evidence of anti-tumor activity at higher dose levels. Notably, one patient achieved a partial response that remained ongoing beyond three months, indicating early clinical benefit in a population with limited treatment options.

Additionally, the study observed on-target biological activity, including KIR-CAR T cell expansion and persistence, along with measurable changes in serum cytokine levels, supporting the therapy’s mechanism of action. These results validate the potential of SynKIR™-110 as a novel immunotherapy approach for solid tumors, an area where traditional CAR-T therapies have faced significant challenges.

Innovative KIR-CAR Platform Targets Solid Tumor Challenges

SynKIR™-110 is built on Verismo’s proprietary KIR-CAR platform, a multi-chain engineered T cell therapy designed to overcome limitations associated with conventional single-chain CAR-T therapies, particularly in solid tumor microenvironments.

Unlike traditional CAR-T approaches, which often suffer from T cell exhaustion and limited persistence, the KIR-CAR platform utilizes a split-signaling architecture derived from natural killer (NK) cells, enabling sustained T cell activity and improved durability of response.

By separating antigen recognition from T cell activation, this technology reduces background signaling and enhances the ability of immune cells to remain active over time. This is particularly important for treating solid tumors, which are known for their complex and immunosuppressive environments.

The therapy is administered as an autologous cell therapy, meaning it is derived from the patient’s own cells, further supporting its potential for personalized cancer treatment.

Advancing Next-Generation Cell Therapy in Oncology

The development of SynKIR™-110 reflects a broader shift in oncology toward advanced cell and gene therapies, with a focus on addressing unmet medical needs in difficult-to-treat cancers. Solid tumors, including those targeted in this study, remain among the most challenging areas in cancer treatment, with limited success from existing immunotherapies.

The ongoing dose-escalation and expansion phases of the STAR-101 trial aim to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose, while further evaluating safety and efficacy across a larger patient population. Continued patient enrollment underscores the company’s commitment to advancing this innovative therapy toward clinical validation and potential regulatory approval.

The presentation of these results at a high-profile AACR plenary session highlights the growing interest in KIR-CAR technology as a potential breakthrough in the field of cell-based cancer therapies.

The initial clinical results from Verismo Therapeutics’ SynKIR™-110 demonstrate a compelling combination of safety, biological activity, and early efficacy signals, positioning it as a promising candidate in the evolution of CAR-T therapies for solid tumors. With its innovative multi-chain design and potential for durable anti-tumor responses, the KIR-CAR platform could redefine treatment approaches for advanced cancers with high unmet need, paving the way for next-generation immunotherapy solutions.

Source: Verismo Therapeutics press release