A small molecule has entered a novel clinical trial for cancer immunotherapy. The molecule inhibits an enzyme called MALT1 that plays a critical role in suppressing immune reactions against tumor cells. Preclinical studies showed that blocking MALT1 activity results in immune reactivation and boosts an anti-tumor immune response. Originally developed under the lead of Helmholtz Zentrum München, the research center has licensed the first-in-class MALT1 inhibitor to the US biotech company Monopteros Therapeutics who is now running the clinical trial.