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- Imugene (IMU) presents positive imaging data from its viral drug oncolytic virotherapy candidate, CHECKvacc (CF33-hNIS-antiPDL1)
- SPECT data reveals potential local viral replication post-injection with resulting hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter) expression
- IMU says this is the first known report of successful hNIS-based imaging to track oncolytic poxvirus replication in humans
- The company will now further evaluate the correlation of SPECT imaging results with pathologic cell infiltrate, viral straining and tumour response
- IMU shares are trading at 14 cents at 3:53 pm AEST
Imugene (IMU) has presented positive imaging data from its viral drug oncolytic virotherapy anti-cancer candidate, CHECKvacc (CF33-hNIS-antiPDL1).
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are designed to both selectively kill tumour cells and activate the immune system against cancer cells, with the potential to improve clinical response and survival.
The IMU data was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2023 annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, overnight, which revealed that CHECKvacc was safe and well-tolerated at dose levels one through three.
Single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) imaging after CHECKvacc intratumoral injections in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer showed an enhancement in 75 per cent of injected lesions.
This suggests local and viral replication with resulting expression of the hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter) gene.
This is the first known report of successful hNIS-based imaging to track oncolytic
poxvirus replication in humans.
“While it was pleasing to see the primary objective of safety and tolerability of CHECKvacc confirmed, the imaging data presented showed several other positive outcomes resulting from our first-in-human trial,” IMU Managing Director and CEO Leslie Chong said.
“We’ll complete further analysis of the data and look forward to the trial continuing, with a view to improving the prognosis of a cancer with limited options for its patients.”
Preliminary evaluation has revealed increased immune cell CD8+ T-cell infiltration and increased PD-L1 protein expression following the injections.
CD8+ T-cells play a critical role in recognising and destroying abnormal or infected cells in the body.
The company will now further evaluate the correlation of SPECT imaging results with pathologic cell infiltrate, viral straining and tumour response.
IMU shares were trading at 14 cents at 3:53 pm AEST.
