MAIA Biotechnology Inc (NYSE American: MAIA) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a master clinical supply agreement with Roche to support future studies evaluating the combination of its telomere-targeting agent ateganosine (THIO) with Roche's checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab (Tecentriq). The collaboration aims to explore safe and effective treatment options for hard-to-treat cancers.

Ateganosine (6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class investigational therapy designed to selectively target telomerase-positive cancer cells by inducing telomeric DNA damage and immune activation. The agent is currently in clinical development for second-line or later use in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients unresponsive to standard checkpoint inhibitors.

Preclinical data demonstrate that sequential treatment with ateganosine followed by a PD-(L)1 inhibitor generates durable tumor regression and cancer-specific immune memory. The Roche agreement will enable further evaluation of this therapeutic approach in clinical settings.

MAIA continues to focus on developing novel, immune-driven therapies aimed at significantly improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.