At Platinum Discovery, we are driven by a singular mission: to advance cancer immunotherapy through the identification and discovery of tumour-specific neoantigens. These neoantigens are the cornerstone for creating precise, targeted cancer vaccines that have the potential to transform how we treat and prevent cancer. Our proprietary technology, privileged access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities and our expertise position us at the forefront of this ground-breaking approach to oncology.
Why neoantigen discovery is critical
Cancer immunotherapy has shown great promise, but one of the biggest challenges remains finding the right targets for the immune system to identify, attack and eradicate. Tumours are highly adept at evading immune detection, often by modulating the way they present antigens to the immune system. These antigens, specifically neoantigens, are mutated proteins that arise from tumour-specific mutations and are presented on the surface of cancer cells. Neoantigens are crucial because they are foreign to the body, making them ideal targets for the immune system without the risk of attacking healthy tissues.
The difficulty lies in identifying these neoantigens with accuracy and precision. Many current approaches depend exclusively on in silico prediction of potential targets through DNA or mRNA analyses, but these methods only tell part of the story. The real challenge is identifying which antigens are actually presented on the surface of tumour cells, where they can be recognised, attacked and eliminated by the immune system. This is where Platinum Discovery excels.
Our solution – mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics
At Platinum Discovery, we have developed a unique approach to neoantigen discovery, focusing on the direct identification of peptide neoantigens through mass spectrometry (MS)-based immunopeptidomics. This method allows us to directly analyse the peptides presented on tumour cells’ Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC) complexes, ensuring that the neoantigens we identify are the real targets available for immune attack.
Our MS-based immunopeptidomics approach overcomes the limitations of DNA or mRNA analyses, which can only predict possible targets rather than confirming the actual peptides presented. This precision is essential because immune therapies and in particular anti-cancer vaccines, must target the correct neoantigens to be effective.
By focusing on peptides as the ultimate targets for cancer immunotherapy, Platinum Discovery provides a direct path to developing more effective anti-cancer vaccines. Our approach aligns with the latest scientific insights, which demonstrate that neoantigens are the most reliable and potentially immunogenic targets for personalised cancer treatment.
Our integrated approach
Platinum Discovery’s strength lies not only in our innovative technology but also in our fully integrated platform, which combines expertise across multiple disciplines:
This end-to-end platform enables us to provide a complete solution for neoantigen discovery, from the clinic to the laboratory to the final data interpretation. Our approach is validated by successful projects where we have identified neoantigens in a range of tumour types.
Why this matters – transforming cancer treatment
The potential impact of Platinum Discovery’s neoantigen discovery platform cannot be overstated. Neoantigen-based immunotherapies have the ability to transform cancer treatment by providing highly specific, personalised vaccines that train the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
Our approach is particularly advantageous for cancers with high unmet medical needs, as these cancers account for a significant portion of global cancer cases and deaths, but current treatment options remain limited. Cancers of the Gastrointestinal tract (GI), including oesophageal, stomach and pancreatic cancers— represent areas of significant unmet medical need, and we are focusing on these malignancies where the development of effective new treatments is urgently needed.
The science behind the strategy
Our strategic focus on neoantigens is supported by the latest scientific research. Studies have shown that tumour-specific neoantigens are critical for eliciting strong immune responses 1, 3. Unlike tumour-associated antigens (TAAs), which can also be found in healthy tissues, neoantigens are unique to cancer cells, making them ideal targets for immunotherapy4.
Additionally, mass spectrometry has emerged as the most reliable method for identifying these neoantigens 1,2. By analysing the peptides directly presented on tumour cells, we ensure that we are targeting the actual proteins available for immune recognition, rather than predicted targets that may never be expressed on the cell surface.
Platinum Discovery leverages advanced mass spectrometry to identify neoantigens, driving personalised cancer treatments. Connect with us to follow our journey in revolutionising cancer immunotherapy.
The following studies support the science behind our approach.
Platinum Discovery team October 2024
