Pyxis Oncology Presents Promising Preclinical Data on MICVO for HNSCC

Combination with anti-PD-1 shows synergistic anti-tumor activity in immunotherapy-refractory model

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A glowing, neon-outlined abstract shape representing a cancer cell structure against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the targeted mechanism of action of an experimental cancer drug.A novel antibody-drug conjugate targets a key component of the tumor microenvironment, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer.San Diego Today

Pyxis Oncology announced it will present new preclinical data at the AACR 2026 meeting showing that a mouse analog of its lead drug candidate MICVO demonstrates anti-tumor activity as a monotherapy and synergistic effects when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) model. The findings support the ongoing clinical development of MICVO, both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, for recurrent and metastatic HNSCC.

Why it matters

MICVO is a first-in-concept antibody drug conjugate (ADC) that targets a structural component of the tumor extracellular matrix, with a novel three-pronged mechanism of action. These preclinical results demonstrate MICVO's potential to enhance the anti-tumor immune response and improve outcomes for patients with immunotherapy-refractory HNSCC, an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options.

The details

In the preclinical study, the mouse analog of MICVO (maMICVO) showed dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in a syngeneic HNSCC model. maMICVO also modulated the tumor immune environment, reducing immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and increasing the abundance of a T cell subset responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy. When combined with anti-mouse PD-1, maMICVO demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor activity, resulting in greater tumor control compared to either treatment alone in an immunotherapy-refractory model.

  • The data will be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, California, held April 17 – April 22, 2026.
  • Pyxis Oncology plans to share updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 combination study of MICVO with pembrolizumab in the second half of 2026.

The players

Pyxis Oncology, Inc.

A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, including MICVO, a first-in-concept antibody drug conjugate targeting the tumor extracellular matrix.

Tom Civik

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pyxis Oncology.

MICVO

Pyxis Oncology's lead drug candidate, a first-in-concept antibody drug conjugate targeting extradomain-B of fibronectin, a structural component of the tumor extracellular matrix.

KEYTRUDA®

Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, which is being evaluated in combination with MICVO in a Phase 1/2 clinical study.

MOC2

A syngeneic preclinical model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma used in the study.

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What they’re saying

“These new preclinical data are particularly compelling as they further reinforce MICVO's clinical development in HNSCC, both as a novel monotherapy treatment and in combination with anti-PD-1.”

— Tom Civik, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pyxis Oncology

What’s next

Following Pyxis Oncology's mid-year 2026 MICVO Phase 1 monotherapy update in 2L+ R/M HNSCC, the company plans to share updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 combination dose escalation study of MICVO in combination with pembrolizumab for 1L/2L+ R/M HNSCC patients in the second half of 2026.

The takeaway

These preclinical findings highlight MICVO's potential to enhance the anti-tumor immune response and improve outcomes for patients with immunotherapy-refractory HNSCC, an aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. The synergistic effects observed with the combination of MICVO and anti-PD-1 therapy support the ongoing clinical development of this novel approach.