Novel Therapeutics:
Microbiome-Derived Immunotherapies for Cancer and Autoimmune Disease
Andrew Y. Koh, M.D.
- Professor, Pediatrics, Microbiology, and Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Grant A. Dove Distinguished Chair for Research in Oncology
- Division Chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dr. Andy Koh’s Discovery Track is developing AU-GML1, an injectable therapy made from safe gut bacteria that “wakes up” the immune system to fight cancer. Instead of using live probiotics or fecal transplants, his team uses a purified bacterial lysate that activates several immune pathways at once, helping turn “cold” tumors “hot.” In multiple animal models, including those where standard PD-1 drugs no longer work, AU-GML1 shrinks tumors and appears well-tolerated, with strong safety data in primates. The next step is to finalize manufacturing and testing so AU-GML1 can move into its first human trial for patients with advanced, treatment-resistant melanoma.
