RE:RE:AstraZeneca's ADC disappoints - on severe adverse eventsBiopharma companies are beginningg to target a number of pathways to activate the innate immune system. Mersana, for example, is developing a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist. While STING activation (IL-1β) has known anti-cancer effects, it’s been a historically difficult target because activating it throughout the body can be toxic. Mersana, for example, has partnerships with both GSK and Merck KGaA.