MetaCurUm Biotech publishes breakthrough study in leading Nature journal

Preclinical data showing that MetaCurum’s antibody reduces tumor growth in prostate cancer in a dose-dependent model. (Source: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2026) 11:238)

Research led by MetaCurUm Biotech’s founder, Professor Maréne Landström at Umeå University, has been published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. The study provides important new insights into how aggressive cancers spread and strengthens the scientific foundation of the company’s drug development program.

Read the full publication here: https://rdcu.be/foMeh

Cancer becomes most dangerous when it spreads through the body – a process responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths.
In the study, researchers mapped key mechanisms in the TGFβ signaling pathway, which cancer cells can hijack to drive tumor growth and metastasis. The findings show how cancer cells become invasive and identify points where this process can be blocked. The study also demonstrates that the company’s drug target is highly expressed in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

“Highly aggressive prostate cancer depends on oncogenic TGFβ signaling for both growth and metastasis. In our preclinical studies, we have shown that our antibody can effectively stop both processes,” says Maarten de Château, CEO of MetaCurUm Biotech.

Collaboration with leading cancer researchers
The study was conducted in collaboration with leading international researchers, including Professor Johann de Bono at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, strengthening its clinical relevance.

“Professor de Bono has contributed clinically important data demonstrating that our drug target is strongly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer patients, validating our hypothesis. He will play an increasingly important role going forward,” says Maréne Landström.

Validation of MetaCurUm’s therapeutic strategy
MetaCurUm is developing a novel antibody, Meta‑CD, targeting oncogenic TGFβ signaling.

The results confirm the relevance of the target, demonstrate the mechanism of action at the molecular level, and support the hypothesis that blocking this pathway can reduce cancer spread.

“This publication establishes the mechanism of action of our therapeutic antibody and represents the first full scientific description of the molecule,” says Maréne Landström.

Toward future treatment strategies
The findings pave the way for future treatment strategies for patients with advanced cancer, where current options remain limited. In preclinical models, the antibody inhibits both primary tumor growth and metastasis in prostate cancer as well as in triple-negative breast cancer.

“Our therapy has the potential to extend survival and reduce suffering in patients with aggressive prostate cancer,” says Maréne Landström.

Next steps toward clinical development
MetaCurUm is advancing its candidate toward clinical studies, focusing on preclinical development, regulatory preparations, and financing.

“We are preparing for regulatory interactions and awaiting additional in vivo data to support financing of the transition into clinical development,” says Maarten de Château.

For more info, contact:
Maarten de Château, CEO, MetaCurUm Biotech
Email: maarten.de.chateau@metacurum.com
Website: metacurum.se