METiS TechBio Achieves Milestones in mRNA Cancer Therapy Research

On December 16, 2025, METiS TechBio announced significant advancements in its oncology research, with two of its candidates, MTS-105 and MTS-107, featured in the prestigious journals Nature Communications and the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC). These publications highlight breakthroughs in mRNA-based cancer therapeutics, showcasing the potential of METiS’s innovative approaches.

Innovative mRNA Therapies for Cancer Treatment

Both studies utilize METiS’s proprietary AI-powered NanoForge platform, which employs a precision-guided delivery system akin to a “rocket-and-payload” model. This technology combines liver- and spleen-targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems with programmable mRNA engineering, allowing for the development of advanced immunotherapy strategies that can effectively stimulate antitumor immunity in specific organs in vivo.

MTS-105 is a pioneering mRNA-encoded T cell engager (TCE) therapy candidate specifically designed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Delivered through METiS’s proprietary liver-targeted LNP system, the therapy shows remarkable promise. The study indicates that once the mRNA is delivered and absorbed in the liver, it is translated locally, producing high levels of bispecific antibodies that penetrate HCC tissues rapidly. This “Trojan Horse” strategy effectively activates T cells within the tumor, leading to complete tumor clearance and long-term T cell immune memory in mouse models.

With its entry into clinical development, MTS-105 positions itself as the world’s first mRNA-encoded TCE therapy for solid tumors, addressing limitations faced by conventional protein-based therapies.

Targeting HPV-Associated Cancers

MTS-107 represents an innovative mRNA therapeutic vaccine targeting HPV16/18-positive cervical and head and neck cancers. The vaccine’s design includes spleen-targeted LNPs, combining dual E6/E7 antigens with a novel immune-activating adjuvant. In preclinical studies, MTS-107 exhibited synergistic antitumor activity when used alongside PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, leading to a significant expansion of HPV-specific CD8+ T cells.

Both MTS-105 and MTS-107 are positioned to transform treatment paradigms for their respective cancers. Chris Lai, Co-founder and CEO of METiS, emphasized the significance of these findings. He stated, “This is an important milestone demonstrating the power of METiS’s AI-driven NanoForge platform in therapeutic development.” He highlighted that traditional cancer therapies often struggle to deliver effective treatments directly into solid tumors, but their innovative approach has the potential to change that dynamic.

Dr. Wei Xu, Chief Scientific Officer and corresponding author of both studies, noted, “mRNA therapeutics have long been constrained by delivery challenges, and innovation in LNP technology is essential for unlocking their full potential.” He pointed out that MTS-105 is the first therapy of its kind to activate T cells without causing exhaustion, while MTS-107’s new antigen design significantly enhances antitumor immunity.

Dr. Andong Liu, Vice President and Head of Platform Technologies at METiS, added that their NanoForge engine significantly accelerates the design cycles for LNP and mRNA, thereby improving delivery efficiency and safety for targeted therapeutics. He remarked, “These studies open broad new avenues for innovative mRNA therapeutics.”

The publication of METiS’s findings in Nature Communications on December 15, 2025, and in JITC earlier in September, marks a critical step towards clinical applications. The studies collectively establish METiS’s position at the forefront of integrating AI-driven nanodelivery with tumor immunotherapy, providing a solid foundation for future clinical translations.

As METiS continues its development efforts, the implications for patients with solid tumors and HPV-associated cancers could be profound, offering new hope for effective treatment options.