Xilio Therapeutics, Inc.

Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing masked immuno-oncology (I-O) therapies to improve outcomes for cancer patients. The company utilizes its clinically-validated masking technology to develop I-O therapies designed to activate selectively within the tumor microenvironment. This approach aims to achieve durable efficacy while avoiding the severe side effects typically associated with systemically active I-O agents. Xilio's integrated biology and protein engineering strategy allows them to design and develop potent, masked biologics. These biologics are activated, or unmasked, by tumor-specific proteases within the tumor microenvironment. The company is currently advancing multiple programs, including masked multi-specifics, through preclinical and clinical development. Their masking technology has also led to strategic partnerships with AbbVie Group Holdings Limited and Gilead Sciences, Inc. The company's masking technology is designed to keep biologics inactive until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where they are activated by tumor-specific matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and other tumor-specific proteases, leading to localized activity. Xilio's expertise in biology and protein engineering includes proprietary masking libraries, custom computational design workflows, and proprietary preclinical and clinical translational models. This technology offers broad application for various molecule designs and targets. Each masked molecule generally includes functional domains, masking domains, linker sequences, and protease cleavage sites.