Dyve Biosciences and Moffitt Cancer Center Report Promising Results for Novel Topical Therapy Targeting Tumour Acidity
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Dyve Biosciences, in collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center, has reported encouraging results for an investigational topical therapy designed to target tumour acidity across the body.
The therapy, known as DYV800, is a transdermal treatment applied to the skin and developed to influence the tumour microenvironment. In preclinical studies using animal models of bladder cancer, the treatment reduced tumour acidity, restored T-cell activity, slowed tumour growth and improved survival outcomes.
The findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology and demonstrated that the therapy can produce systemic effects beyond the site of application. This suggests potential use across a range of solid tumours where acidity plays a role in disease progression.
Rather than directly attacking tumours, the approach focuses on altering the conditions that allow tumours to grow and evade the immune system. Tumour acidity is considered a key factor in immune suppression and may act as an early-stage immune checkpoint, limiting immune response before other pathways are activated.
Solid tumours typically develop an acidic environment, with pH levels between 6.2 and 6.8, compared to the normal physiological pH of 7.4. This acidic setting can weaken immune function and contribute to resistance to treatment.
In the studies, DYV800 increased tumour pH and was associated with improved immune activity, including enhanced CD8 T-cell responses and increased levels of immune-related markers. These effects were linked to reduced tumour burden and extended survival.
The company’s transdermal platform enables the delivery of treatment through the skin, allowing it to circulate throughout the body and reach tumours beyond the application site. This method avoids limitations associated with oral treatments and removes the need for injections.
Previous approaches aimed at reducing tumour acidity, such as oral buffering methods, have faced challenges related to dosing, side effects and tolerability. The transdermal approach is intended to overcome these limitations and provide a more consistent method of modifying tumour conditions.
DYV800 remains an investigational product, and its safety and effectiveness have not yet been established.
Dyve Biosciences is working with Moffitt Cancer Center under a multi-year collaboration to support clinical development. Initial human studies are expected to begin in 2026 and will focus on safety, dosing and the therapy’s impact on tumour biology and immune response.
If confirmed in clinical trials, targeting tumour acidity may offer a new approach to improving treatment outcomes, particularly when used alongside existing cancer therapies such as immunotherapy.
Source: businesswire.com
