METiS TechBio Announces Major Advances in mRNA Cancer Therapies

BEIJING, December 16, 2025 – METiS TechBio has achieved significant milestones in cancer treatment with the publication of two studies in prestigious journals, Nature Communications and the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC). These studies detail the advancements of two oncology pipeline candidates, MTS-105 and MTS-107, which utilize the company’s innovative mRNA-based therapies.

The research highlights the capabilities of METiS’s proprietary AI-powered NanoForge platform, which integrates advanced delivery systems with programmable mRNA engineering. This platform employs a unique “rocket-and-payload” delivery analogy, optimizing the targeting of specific organs, such as the liver and spleen, to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

MTS-105 is positioned as a groundbreaking mRNA-encoded T cell engager (TCE) therapy specifically designed for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study found that when administered through METiS’s liver-targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) system, MTS-105 effectively delivers mRNA that produces bispecific antibodies locally within the liver. These antibodies then penetrate HCC tissues, activating T cells and resulting in significant tumor cell destruction, with complete tumor clearance and long-lasting T cell immune memory observed in preclinical mouse models. This therapy marks the first instance of an mRNA-encoded TCE for solid tumors, and it has now progressed into clinical development.

In parallel, MTS-107 is an innovative mRNA therapeutic vaccine aimed at HPV16/18-positive cervical and head and neck cancers. Utilizing spleen-targeted LNPs, the vaccine combines dual E6/E7 antigens with a new immune-activating adjuvant. Preclinical results indicated that MTS-107 exhibited synergistic anti-tumor effects when used alongside PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, leading to an increase in HPV-specific CD8+ T cells. This promising candidate will continue into further clinical exploration.

Chris Lai, Co-founder and CEO of METiS, articulated the significance of these findings, stating, “This is an important milestone demonstrating the power of METiS’s AI-driven NanoForge platform in therapeutic development.” He emphasized the limitations of traditional cancer therapies, noting that many immune cells fail to infiltrate solid tumors effectively. The validated “rocket-and-satellite” delivery approach showcased in these studies aims to change that dynamic, paving the way for targeted therapies that could offer new hope to patients.

Dr. Wei Xu, Chief Scientific Officer and lead author of the studies, remarked on the challenges faced in mRNA therapeutics due to delivery issues. He highlighted that MTS-105 is the first to demonstrate that an Fc-free bispecific TCE can activate T cells without inducing exhaustion. Furthermore, MTS-107’s novel antigen design and integrated adjuvant significantly enhance its anti-tumor immune response. Dr. Xu referenced a recent study published in Nature, which indicated that patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors had nearly doubled their three-year survival rates if they had also received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, reinforcing the potential for mRNA platforms in the field of immuno-oncology.

Dr. Andong Liu, Vice President and Head of Platform Technologies, further elaborated on the capabilities of the NanoForge engine. He stated, “Our NanoForge engine significantly accelerates LNP and mRNA design cycles, enhancing delivery efficiency and safety for liver and spleen-targeted therapeutics.” According to Liu, the advancements in LNP nanodelivery are crucial for precise tissue targeting and effective cancer treatment.

The publication of the preclinical study on MTS-105 in Nature Communications on December 15, 2025, and the breakthrough HPV vaccine research in JITC on September 17, 2025, underline METiS’s commitment to pioneering advancements in mRNA therapeutics. These studies not only demonstrate the transformative potential of AI-driven solutions in cancer treatment but also solidify METiS’s position at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving field.