NightHawk Biosciences, Inc. operates as an integrated biopharmaceutical firm, dedicated to advancing immune therapies and vaccines. Their core mission involves leveraging and modifying the body's immune system to combat a range of illnesses, particularly various cancers and infectious diseases. Central to their strategy is the proprietary gp96 platform. This platform encompasses two key technologies: ImPACT, an allogeneic (off-the-shelf) cell-based system designed to activate and expand T-cells, acting as a broad immune stimulant; and ComPACT, which combines antigen-specific T-cell activation with targeted co-stimulation in a single product. NightHawk's clinical pipeline features several promising candidates: HS-110, which has completed enrollment for its Phase II clinical trial, targeting advanced non-small cell lung cancer; and HS-130, currently undergoing a Phase I clinical trial for advanced solid tumors. Additionally, PTX-35, a novel T-cell co-stimulator agonist antibody that specifically targets DR3/TNFRSF25, is also in Phase I development. The company is also exploring DR3/TNFRSF25 as a general target for various immunotherapy applications. Beyond these, a COVID-19 vaccine is currently in preclinical stages. A notable collaboration involves Dr. James Shapiro at the University of Alberta, focusing on the manufacturing of a surrogate mouse version of PTX-35. Originally established as Heat Biologics, Inc. in 2008, the company rebranded to NightHawk Biosciences, Inc. in May 2022. Its headquarters are located in Morrisville, North Carolina.
