Immuno-oncology · Phase I · 2026

Converting cold tumors
into hot.

Isosceles is developing IPI201, a synthetic small-molecule immunotherapy adjuvant designed to expand the reach of checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda into the patients they currently leave behind.

Abstract scientific imagery transitioning from cool blue cellular forms on the left to warm amber on the right, representing the conversion of immunologically cold tumors to hot.

Cold tumors

Low PD-L1 expression. Excluded from or unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors. The majority of solid tumors today.

Hot, treatable

Upregulated PD-L1, repolarized macrophages, restored anti-tumor immunity, sensitive to checkpoint therapy.

The opportunity

Checkpoint therapy works brilliantly, for a minority of patients.

PD-1 inhibitors like Keytruda generate objective responses in only 15–30% of patients across most solid tumors. The majority remain "cold" non-responders, representing the largest unmet need in modern oncology. IPI201 doesn't compete with checkpoint inhibitors. It expands them.

15–30%
Responder rate to checkpoint inhibitors across most solid tumors
70%
Of triple-negative breast cancer patients excluded from immunotherapy
71%
Of TME gene-expression changes in colorectal tumor mouse model attributable to IPI201 + anti-PD-1
Apr '26
Phase I trial initiated
Mechanism of action

Four convergent pathways. One immunological reset.

IPI201 activates a coordinated set of innate-immunity, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-perfusion mechanisms, simultaneously priming the tumor microenvironment to respond to checkpoint and cellular immunotherapies.

01 / cGAS–STING

PD-L1 upregulation

Activates the cGAS–STING/IRF3 pathway, transcriptionally upregulating PD-L1. Validated in vitro and in two syngeneic in vivo models in combination with atezolizumab.

02 / Macrophage

M1 → M2 repolarization

Shifts tumor-associated macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via A2A adenosine and CB2 receptor signaling, dampening the inflammatory drivers of immune exclusion.

03 / Anti-inflammatory

TNF-α and ROS reduction

Reduces TNF-α, reactive oxygen species, and broader inflammatory mediators, restoring anti-tumor immune infiltration so checkpoint therapy can take hold.

04 / Hypoxia reversal

Cerebral and tissue reperfusion

Regulates blood flow to enhance reperfusion following hypoxic injury via GPR18, GPR55, and 5-HT1A receptor activation, relevant to traumatic brain injury and ischemia-related indications.

Clinical validation

"A 50% objective response rate in PD-1 refractory triple-negative breast cancer. Direct evidence that checkpoint resistance is convertible in humans."

Cromolyn study, Nature Medicine, June 2025, plus a parallel 50% ORR result in Phase II trial NCT05076682 with camrelizumab

These independent results, combined with Isosceles' proprietary preclinical data, establish the rationale for the IPI201 development program. That data includes a 625% increase in cancer-cell killing when IPI201 is combined with NK cells, and the discovery that IPI201 is only the third known molecule (alongside IL-2 and IL-15) sufficient to sustain NK cell survival in vitro.

The pipeline

Two assets. One immuno-modulatory platform.

IPI201 is our lead candidate, a synthetic IV formulation entering Phase I in April 2026. IPI301, a dissolving microneedle patch, advances the same platform into intradermal delivery for adjacent indications.

Asset
Indication
Stage
IPI201 IV synthetic small molecule · immunotherapy adjuvant
PD-1 Relapsed or Refractory
Phase I trial
Preclinical
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approval
IPI301 Dissolving microneedle patch · intradermal delivery
Rapid onset for inflammatory indications
Preclinical
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approval
Explore the full pipeline
Partnerships & investment

Building the next generation of immunotherapy adjuvants.

We work with checkpoint inhibitor manufacturers, cellular immunotherapy partners, and clinical research organizations to bring IPI201 from the lab into patients.

IR@isoscelespharma.com Contact form