ACLY Inhibitor Triggers B Cell Response to Suppress Liver Tumors and Advances Toward Clinical Trials

Preclinical evidence of metabolic disruption paired with B cell immunity has prompted plans for first-in-human studies of the selective ACLY blocker.

Overview

EVT0185, a liver-targeted ACLY inhibitor, reduced tumor burden in mouse models of MASH-driven hepatocellular carcinoma.
Treatment disrupted tumor lipogenesis and recruited B cells to infiltrate tumors and form tertiary lymphoid structures essential for cancer clearance.
The findings reveal a previously underappreciated connection between cancer metabolism and B cell–mediated immunity.
EVT0185 maintained immune cell viability while sensitizing tumors to attack, creating opportunities for combination with existing immunotherapies.
Researchers are now conducting mechanistic investigations and safety studies to prepare for first-in-human trials backed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Espervita Therapeutics.